Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has praised President Bola Tinubu for the safe release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, describing the operation as proof of the President’s commitment to protecting Nigerians.
In a statement, Uzodimma said the victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity without any ransom being paid.
“After fifty-six days in captivity, these young Nigerians and their teachers are returning to their families unharmed, without ransom and without concession. I rejoice with their parents, with the Government and people of Oyo State, and with a nation that refused to abandon its children,” he said.
According to the Imo governor, the rescue followed a direct order from President Tinubu and was carried out by a joint task force comprising the Armed Forces, intelligence services and other security agencies.
He said the operation led to the dismantling of the kidnappers’ infrastructure, the arrest of eight suspects and the unconditional release of all those held captive.
“This outcome did not happen by chance. It followed a direct presidential mandate, executed with precision by a joint task force drawn from our Armed Forces and the intelligence and security agencies, which dismantled the terrorists’ infrastructure, arrested eight of the kidnappers and compelled the unconditional release of every captive,” Uzodimma said.
He added, “It shows that President Tinubu is a committed leader, prepared to go to every length to secure the life of every Nigerian. Under his watch, those who traffic in the terror of children will find neither refuge nor reward.”
Uzodimma also commended the security personnel involved in the operation and expressed support for the rescued children and their families as they recover from the ordeal.
“I salute the gallant officers and personnel who spent weeks in the forest so that these children could come home, and I extend our solidarity to the families as their children recover,” he said.
Speaking as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Uzodimma reaffirmed the forum’s backing for the President and the nation’s security agencies.
“As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, I assure the President that the Progressive Governors stand firmly behind him and our security agencies in the continuing work of ridding our country of terrorism.”
The statement was issued by Governor Hope Uzodimma on 10 July 2026.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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