Rescue of Oyo schoolchildren: S-West Fulani chiefs hail Tinubu, Makinde, security agencies

By Dapo Akinrefon

The Council of Fulani Chiefs in South West Nigeria has commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies for the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The council, led by its Chairman and Sarki Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, expressed joy over the safe return of the victims, describing the operation as a demonstration of commitment and coordination by the nation’s security architecture.

In a statement issued by its Media Office, the council praised the security agencies for their professionalism, resilience and dedication, which resulted in the rescue of the victims without loss of life.

It said the successful operation reflected the efforts of the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government towards protecting the lives and welfare of citizens.

The council urged Nigerians, especially residents of the South-West, to promote peace, unity and mutual understanding while rejecting ethnic profiling, division and all forms of criminality.

The statement said: “As resident communities, we shall continue to cooperate with government and security agencies in all peace-building initiatives and security efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across our towns, villages, and forests.

“Together, we can build a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous South-West and Nigeria as a whole.”

The council also commended President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies for responding to calls for the prompt rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

It called for sustained efforts towards achieving lasting peace, harmony and development across the country, expressing optimism that insecurity would eventually be overcome.