FG promises safe rescue of abducted Oyo, Borno pupils

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that securing the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states is a top national priority. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that security agencies are employing all lawful measures to rescue those in captivity and prosecute the perpetrators.

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This press briefing comes at a sobering moment in our nation’s history. Recent events in Oyo and Borno States have once again tested our collective resolve as a people.

These recent attacks have targeted schools, with at least 82 pupils and teachers kidnapped between May 13 and 15. In Borno State, 42 individuals were taken during attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas. In Oyo State, 40 pupils were abducted from multiple schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that also resulted in the deaths of a teacher and two others during rescue attempts.

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The abduction of innocent school children and their teachers is not merely an attack on families or communities; it is an attack on the future of our nation, on education, and on the values that bind us together as Nigerians.

Speaking at a national security briefing, Idris described the abductions as an "assault on the future of the country" and a violation of the values that bind Nigerians together. He conveyed President Bola Tinubu's directive to deploy "every lawful instrument" to achieve the victims' safe return and bring those responsible to justice.

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On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority.

To bolster security, the President has authorized the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to enhance protection in vulnerable communities and forests. While operational details remain confidential, Idris confirmed that security and intelligence agencies are collaborating to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits.

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The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.