Owerri — Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the successful and unconditional release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to the safety of Nigerians.
The victims, who spent 56 days in captivity, were freed unharmed without any ransom payment or concessions, Uzodimma said in a statement on Friday, July 10, 2026.
“I rejoice with their parents, with the Government and people of Oyo State, and with a nation that refused to abandon its children,” the governor stated.
According to Uzodimma, the rescue was executed following a direct order from President Tinubu by a joint task force comprising the Armed Forces, intelligence services, and other security agencies. The operation resulted in the dismantling of the kidnappers’ infrastructure and the arrest of eight suspects.
“This outcome did not happen by chance. It followed a direct presidential mandate, executed with precision… which dismantled the terrorists’ infrastructure, arrested eight of the kidnappers and compelled the unconditional release of every captive,” he said.
The Imo governor praised President Tinubu’s leadership, saying it sends a strong message to criminals. “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 added.
He also saluted the security personnel who worked tirelessly in the forests to secure the release and extended solidarity to the families of the rescued children as they begin their recovery.
As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Uzodimma reaffirmed the forum’s full support for the President and Nigeria’s security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
“I salute the gallant officers and personnel who spent weeks in the forest so that these children could come home… 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 abduction and subsequent rescue have drawn national attention, highlighting both the security challenges in parts of the country and the government’s resolve to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable schoolchildren.
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