*As Oyo Central Senator Says ‘No Hiding Place For Criminals’
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has lauded the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and security agencies, including local hunters, on the release of the kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
This is just as the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunnus Akintunde, declared that there is no longer safe haven for criminals.
The victims, 47 in number, were kidnapped in Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in Oriire on 15 May,2026 while their release was secured on Friday.
Oba Ladoja, in a statement by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, said the feat had further demonstrated the disposition of the Federal Government to the security of lives and property of the citizenry.
“The release of the victims is a landmark achievement of the present administration in the country. The issue of the country is being taken seriously by the administration,” he said, noting that there could never be any development in an atmosphere of chaos.
“As a follow-up to this development, the government must ensure that all the communities that share border with the Old Oyo National Park are fully secured.
“Also, the government must ensure proper rehabilitation of the victims; the trauma and psychological stress they have undergone while in captivity should be addressed.
“Also, I want to thank our peace-loving governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for standing by the victims and their relations during their moment of trials.
“Likewise, the security operatives, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police and leadership of other security agencies, deserve accolades,” the monarch said.
In the same vein, Senator Akintunde, who is also Chairman of Senate Committee on South-West Development Commission, commended the President and other critical stakeholders in the rescue efforts. He declared that “there is no safe hiding place for criminals.”
“I welcome the safe release of the school children and their teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Their return brings great relief to their families, their communities and all Nigerians.
“I commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his dedication to tackling insecurity. I also salute the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies whose professionalism and coordinated efforts made this successful rescue possible.
“While we celebrate this success, we must also honour the memory of the brave Lieutenant Felix A. Isaac, who paid the supreme price in the line of duty during the rescue operation. His courage, patriotism, and selfless sacrifice in defence of innocent lives will forever be remembered.
“I equally mourn the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, who was brutally murdered while in captivity, and Joel Adesiyan, an assistant headmaster, who was killed during the initial attack on the schools.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, and we pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear these painful losses.
“This successful operation sends a clear message that there is no safe hiding place for criminals. Those who seek to terrorise innocent citizens must know that the law will continue to pursue them relentlessly until they are brought to justice.
“As the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-West Development Commission, I am committed to supporting legislative and policy measures that will further strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and ensure that every Nigerian can live, work, and learn in safety.
“I congratulate the rescued victims and their families on this joyful reunion and urge Nigerians to continue supporting our security agencies with credible information as we work together to build a safer and more secure nation,” Dr. Akintunde said in a personally-signed statement.
Also, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) lauded President Tinubu; Gov. Makinde; and security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims.
The Council described the rescue as most welcome, saying it brought relief to the victims’ families, residents of the state and the whole of South-West Nigeria “where people had anxiously awaited their safe return.”
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, YCE lauded the coordinated efforts of the Federal Government, the Oyo State government, the military, the police, the DSS, local hunters and all security operatives involved in the rescue operation.
The Council said the successful operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration among security agencies and local stakeholders in tackling insecurity.
While congratulating the rescued victims and their families, the YCE also commiserated with families of those who lost their lives during the incident, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for their loved ones.
The elders, however, urged the Federal Government and security agencies not to relent in addressing the growing threat of kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
According to the Council, rescue operations should be complemented with sustained intelligence gathering, improved surveillance and enhanced security presence in vulnerable communities to prevent future attacks.
The YCE also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the abduction, stressing that bringing perpetrators of these negative acts in the society to justice would serve as deterrent to all criminal elements.
The Council expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies and local communities, the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality would record greater success.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Some of the rescued pupils and teachers.
