For 56 agonising days, Oyo State held its breath. The abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso was more than a security incident. It was an assault on our conscience, on the sanctity of learning and on the belief that our children should be safe in school. Today, that long night has ended.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has announced the successful rescue of all the abducted children and teachers through a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by our military, the DSS and the police. Eight abductors have been arrested, others neutralised and not a single rescued child was harmed. Relief agencies have also been directed to provide immediate medical and psychosocial support.
The President captured the mood of the country when he expressed “profound joy” at the outcome. He also rightly commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation and charged it to strengthen security around all schools.
Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, APC Gubernatorial Candidate for Oyo State, 2027, has joined President Tinubu in expressing deep joy and gratitude over the rescue. In a statement, Barr. Alli said: “This is a moment of immense relief for every parent, teacher and citizen of Oyo State. For 50+ days, the families of Oriire lived in fear. Today, they can breathe again. I join President Bola Tinubu in commending our gallant security forces for their professionalism, courage and endurance. This operation proves that when intelligence, military strength and political will come together, our children can be protected”.
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Barr. Alli particularly paid tribute to the memory of Mr. Oyedokun, who was gruesomely murdered by the terrorists. He echoed the President’s resolve that justice must be served.
“We mourn Mr. Oyedokun. His blood must not be in vain. I also commend Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government for working hand-in-hand with the Federal Government. This is how governance should work — politics aside, people first”.
This rescue offers three critical lessons for Oyo State:
1. Security is collective: The success came from federal-state synergy. Military precision, police intelligence, DSS operations and state cooperation. This must be institutionalised;
2. Schools Must Be Safe Zones: As President Tinubu charged, we must now harden security around all our schools, especially in border and rural communities like Oriire. Surveillance, community policing, and early-warning systems can no longer be optional; and
3. Justice Must Be Seen: The arrest of 8 suspects is a good start. Prosecution must be swift, transparent and serve as deterrence.
To the children and teachers of Oriire: welcome home. To your parents: your prayers have been answered. To our security forces: Oyo State salutes you.
Barrister Sharafadeen Alli believes this moment must mark a turning point. Beyond celebration, we must now build an Oyo State where no child ever has to spend 56 days in captivity again.
As he stated: “Let us convert this relief into resolve. A resolve to fund our security architecture, to support our teachers and to ensure that education in Oyo State remains safe, free and uninterrupted”.
Oyo State is grateful to President Tinubu. Oyo State is proud of its security forces and Oyo State is ready to do the work to ensure this never happens again.
Coordinating Director, Media and Publicity
Sharafadeen Alli/Adedeji Campaign Organisation
Friday, 10th July, 2026
08077284442
