President Bola Tinubu has stated that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the pupils and staff abducted during the school kidnapping incident in Oyo State, describing the successful rescue as the result of coordinated security operations and sustained government efforts.
The President made the clarification following the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty for their families and the wider public.
According to Tinubu, the operation that led to the victims’ freedom was carried out through the combined efforts of security agencies, intelligence operatives, and the Oyo State Government, without yielding to the demands of the kidnappers.
He commended the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism, resilience, and collaboration throughout the rescue mission.
The President also praised the Oyo State Government and local stakeholders for working closely with federal authorities to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to a policy of not encouraging the payment of ransom to criminal groups, warning that such payments often embolden kidnappers and fuel further acts of banditry and abduction.
He stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and other violent crimes across the country through enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency cooperation, and sustained security operations.
The President expressed sympathy to the families affected by the incident, particularly the relatives of those who lost loved ones during the attack, and prayed for comfort and strength for them.
While celebrating the release of the surviving victims, Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel involved in the rescue efforts and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to improve security nationwide.
The Oyo school abduction drew widespread condemnation when armed men attacked the school and abducted pupils and staff, triggering extensive search and rescue operations. The incident also renewed concerns about the safety of educational institutions and the need for stronger security measures under the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative.
Following the release of the victims, education stakeholders and civil society organisations renewed calls for increased investment in school security infrastructure, improved surveillance, and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue strengthening efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, emphasizing that protecting lives and property remains one of the government’s foremost responsibilities.
He urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence, noting that public cooperation is vital to defeating criminal elements and ensuring lasting peace across the country.
