Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has expressed excitement over the release of the abducted Orire schoolchildren and their teachers.
Recall that 55 days ago, bandits invaded the Orire community in the Ogbomoso area, abducting scores of schoolchildren and their teachers. The incident attracted both local and international attention.
Reacting to the news of the children’s release on Friday evening, July 10, 2026, Hon. Adepoju commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for the efforts that led to their rescue.
According to the federal lawmaker, no child should have to endure the traumatic experience the pupils went through in the hands of their abductors. He expressed happiness, particularly as a parent, over their safe release.
“I have been waiting for a day like this for a very long time. As a parent, I understand the sadness and grief their parents must have endured over the past almost two months. This is a time to celebrate and also to rejig our security architecture as a nation so that our children can feel safe in their respective learning environments,” Ibarapakan said.
The federal lawmaker also cited the proposed State Police Bill, which Governor Makinde has consistently advocated, as one of the possible solutions to addressing the country’s security challenges.
Hon. Adepoju also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for collaborating with the Oyo State Government to secure the children’s release, stating that beyond politics, the security and stability of Nigeria remain a collective responsibility.
He congratulated the parents and families of the released children, as well as their teachers, praying that they would never experience such an unfortunate incident again.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, however, commiserated with the family of the slain Mathematics teacher among the abductees, saying he understood the depth of sadness and emotional laceration they would be experiencing at a time like this. He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for lasting peace in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
