The  Lagos State governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Laja Adeoye, has commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state. 

Mr Adeoye, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, described the safe return of the victims after weeks in captivity as a remarkable achievement.

He said the rescue underscored Mr Makinde’s courageous leadership and unwavering determination to protect lives and property.

Mr Adeoye said the governor demonstrated steadfast commitment throughout the rescue operation.

He said the outcome reflected effective leadership in confronting insecurity without compromising public safety.

“The safe return of the victims after weeks in captivity is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Governor Makinde’s steadfast commitment to protecting the lives and property of the people.

“He remained resolute throughout the rescue operation and refused to succumb to pressure to negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers. Such a principled stance demonstrates exceptional leadership in the fight against insecurity,” the candidate said.

Mr Adeoye said the successful operation reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security strategies.

He attributed the success to strong collaboration among security agencies and the determination of the Oyo State Government to confront criminals.

“The successful operation reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security strategies, strong collaboration among security agencies, and the determination of the Oyo State Government.

“The government confronted criminal elements without compromising the long-term security of the state,” he said.

Mr Adeoye also commended security agencies and the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, for their professionalism during the rescue mission.

He praised all personnel involved for their resilience and dedication, which culminated in the safe release of the abductees.

“I commend the security agencies, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), and all personnel involved in the rescue mission.

“Their professionalism, resilience and dedication culminated in the safe release of the abductees,” he said.

Mr Adeoye urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

He said collective vigilance and cooperation remained essential in tackling kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.

“Nigerians should continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. Collective vigilance and cooperation remain essential in tackling kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country,” he said.

Mr Adeoye congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on regaining their freedom.

He expressed hope that the successful operation would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

He stated, “I congratulate the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on their freedom. I hope the successful operation will further strengthen public confidence in the nation’s security institutions and encourage sustained efforts toward achieving lasting peace and security.”

 The pupils and teachers abducted during the attack in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, regained freedom on Friday.

(NAN)