Alaafin Visits Rescued Oyo Pupils, Donates Cash, Commends Security Forces

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has visited the rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in securing their release.

The monarch made the visit on Monday at the Odogbo Military Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan, where the victims were receiving medical attention and psychological support following their release after 56 days in captivity.

During the visit, Oba Owoade donated cash to the rescued victims as part of efforts to support their recovery and reintegration after the traumatic experience.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin praised the military and other security agencies for what he described as their commitment to combating terrorism and insurgency across the country.

The monarch said the recent rescue of the abducted pupils demonstrated the impact of intelligence-driven security operations and improved coordination among security agencies.

“Our military is making vital strides in combating terrorism through aggressive, intelligence-led operations and precision airstrikes that continuously degrade insurgent logistics networks,” Oba Owoade said.

He added that the success recorded by security forces in disrupting criminal networks had shown the effectiveness of innovative strategies and intelligence-based operations in tackling security threats.

“The recent success of the military and other security agencies in disrupting terrorist networks has earned praise for their innovative, intelligence-driven tactics that have proven effective in neutralising insurgent threats,” he said.

The Alaafin also acknowledged the efforts of other traditional rulers who supported initiatives aimed at securing the release of the victims, describing their contributions as important in the collective effort to bring the pupils and teachers home safely.

The rescued victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Primary School, Esiele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.

They were rescued on July 10 following a joint security operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, Amotekun Corps, hunters and local vigilantes, before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.