Umar Tanko Yakasai, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress and Director General of the Tinubu Support Group, has hailed the safe recovery of abducted Oyo students and teachers. He stated that securing their release without paying ransom represents a major triumph in the ongoing battle against national instability.
Yakasai dismissed recent comments from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde regarding a United Nations investigation into the kidnapping as misguided and politically charged. He emphasized that the perpetrators, linked to the Ansaru terrorist group, had originally demanded a prisoner swap for a captured leader. By refusing these terms, the Federal Government proved that the state remains resilient against criminal extortion.
The successful rescue is being credited to significant investments in national security during President Tinubu’s tenure. Yakasai noted that the government has consistently increased defense spending to upgrade military capabilities. Key acquisitions include 24 M-346 FA fighter jets from Italy, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States, and substantial investments in air defense infrastructure.
Yakasai expressed disappointment that some political figures attempted to exploit the 56-day crisis for personal gain. He stressed that national security should remain separate from political rivalry, noting that terrorism does not target victims based on their partisan affiliations. He concluded by calling for a unified, non-partisan approach to combating security threats across Nigeria.
