The Oyo State Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adekemi Opatunde, has expressed joy over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their freedom after 56 days in captivity as an answered prayer and a moment of thanksgiving for the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Opatunde congratulated the families of the rescued victims and commended all those involved in the operation that led to their rescue, particularly the security agencies.
She attributed the successful rescue to divine intervention, saying God had answered the prayers of thousands of residents who had consistently sought the victims’ safe return.
”After 56 days in captivity, the Lord has delivered the schoolchildren and teachers who were held by their abductors. To God alone be all the glory. Today is a day of thanksgiving for every well-meaning resident of Oyo State,” she said.
The APC chieftain also sympathised with the family of Mr. Michael Adedokun, the mathematics teacher who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers during the period of captivity, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and give the deceased eternal rest.
She recalled that on June 6, 2026, more than 4,000 women drawn from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, in collaboration with the Women Intercessory Network (WIN), held a statewide prayer rally for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, expressing gratitude that the prayers had been answered.
Opatunde lamented what she described as growing threats to education and religious worship in the South-West as a result of insecurity, stressing that schools and places of worship must remain safe havens for learning and spiritual growth.
”The safety of lives and property is the primary responsibility of every government. This is a collective responsibility that goes beyond politics. There can be no meaningful development without adequate security,” she stated.
She appealed to the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools, communities and worship centres, while urging residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information and report suspicious activities in their localities.
According to her, lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens, adding that every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding lives and protecting the country’s collective heritage.
She urged residents of Oyo State not to relent in supporting security agencies through vigilance, cooperation and timely intelligence, expressing confidence that the successful rescue would inspire renewed commitment to protecting lives, schools and communities across the state.
