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Prominent Oyo State politician and 2027 PDP Governorship Aspirant, Otunba Oluseye Nathaniel Oladosu Opatoki, has congratulated and commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, Otunba Opatoki described the safe return of the victims as a breakthrough in the state’s fight against insecurity and a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of Governor Makinde’s intelligence-driven security architecture.
Recall that the pupils and teachers were abducted on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, when gunmen stormed their school premises in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire LGA, and whisked them away. The incident threw the entire state into anxiety for more than 50 days, as parents, community leaders, and stakeholders across Oyo State called for urgent action to secure the release of the victims.
Commending the Governor, Otunba Opatoki said the decisive leadership, political will, and sustained support provided to security agencies by the Makinde administration were instrumental to the successful operation that led to the rescue.
“I join millions of Oyo State residents in expressing profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for not relenting until our children and teachers were brought back home safely. From the moment of the abduction, the state government demonstrated visible concern, coordination, and commitment,” he stated.
The former PDP governorship aspirant also hailed the gallantry, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration exhibited by the Nigeria Army, DSS, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and other operatives who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to track the abductors and secure the freedom of the victims.
“The arrest of suspects and the neutralisation of some members of the criminal gang during the rescue operation send a strong signal that Oyo State will not be a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements. This feat underscores the fact that when government provides leadership and security agencies are properly equipped and coordinated, criminals will not prevail,” Otunba Opatoki said.
He expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families over the emotional and psychological trauma suffered during the period of captivity. He prayed for their quick recovery and reintegration into society.
While celebrating the joyous news, Otunba Opatoki stressed that security remains a collective responsibility requiring continuous cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens.
“I urge residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. We must also strengthen security around our schools and rural communities to prevent a recurrence of this sad incident,” he added.
The stakeholder further reaffirmed his commitment to supporting policies and legislative initiatives that will enhance the security framework of Oyo State and Nigeria at large. He called on all political actors to rise above partisanship and unite behind efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
“The safe return of these innocent children and their teachers should renew our hope as a people. It proves that with unity, prayer, and the right leadership, we can overcome the challenge of insecurity confronting our nation,” he concluded.
The release of the Oriire abductees has been widely welcomed across Oyo State, with residents describing it as a huge relief and a testament to the renewed commitment of government and security agencies to safeguarding lives.
Signed:
Otunba Oluseye Nathaniel Oladosu Opatoki
Former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Aspirant, Oyo State 2027 Election
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