Prominent figures and organizations, including Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Oyo State APC, and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), have celebrated the rescue of 39 students and seven teachers. These individuals were abducted from communities within the Oriire local government area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
The hostages were successfully freed on Friday following a joint operation involving the police, the military, the Department of State Services, and other security units. Speaker Obasa praised the collaboration between President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the security forces, framing the operation as a significant victory that underscores the importance of institutional cooperation.
While the Oyo State APC expressed relief, their publicity secretary, Wasiu Sadare, urged Governor Makinde to implement measures to prevent future incidents. The party also emphasized the necessity for closer cooperation between state and federal authorities to combat criminal elements, while acknowledging the three lives lost during the 56-day captivity.
NAWOJ, represented by Oyo State Chairperson Omolola Alamu, voiced its solidarity with the affected families. The association commended the security personnel for their handling of the crisis and called on the state government to fortify security infrastructure, particularly in rural and border regions like Oriire.
