President Tinubu expresses joy over release of Ogbomoso pupils, teachers

President Bola Tinubu has voiced deep relief and happiness following the safe rescue of schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, carried out by security forces.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the tireless efforts of the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, who worked around the clock over 56 days to secure the hostages’ release without any casualties. He also noted that eight abductors were arrested while others were neutralized.

President Tinubu acknowledged the prolonged anguish endured by the victims, their families, and the entire nation since the incident occurred.

He praised the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue mission and urged the state to bolster security around schools within its territory.

“I am deeply overjoyed that our security forces have successfully freed the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State today. This operation, driven by a combination of military, police, and intelligence efforts, led to the neutralization of some of the terrorists responsible and the arrest of eight others.

“This successful mission has put an end to the over-50-day siege and standoff, bringing much-needed relief to the nation and especially to the affected families. On behalf of the country, I extend my gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces, intelligence agencies, and the police for the safe return of the children and their teachers.

“My administration will ensure justice is served for these children, their teachers, and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was brutally killed by the terrorists.

“I also commend the Oyo State Government for its cooperative efforts in bringing this unfortunate situation to a successful conclusion,” the President stated.

In addition, President Tinubu has directed emergency agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing comprehensive medical and relief support to the rescued children and teachers.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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