President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is taking every necessary step, including working with international partners, to secure the safe release of the 47 teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The President gave the assurance through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the commissioning of the remodelled 154-bed Premier Hotel in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday.
Tinubu said the Federal Government understands the pain and anxiety caused by the abduction and is committed to ensuring that all the victims return home safely without harm.
He explained that security agencies were working round the clock and that international collaboration was also being deployed to strengthen efforts aimed at rescuing the kidnapped victims.
The President’s assurance followed the abduction of 47 teachers and students from public and private schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of schools and the growing threat of kidnapping in different parts of the country.
Speaking at the event, Akume said the Federal Government was treating the incident with the seriousness it deserved.
“I must at this point reassure the good people of Oyo State and indeed the South-West that the Federal Government is seriously addressing the upswing in banditry, kidnapping and associated criminalities across the nation,” he said.
“I wish to assure you that every realistic measure, including international collaboration, is being taken to ensure that the kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government are safely brought home without harm or avoidable loss of life.”
The President also appealed to residents to remain calm while security agencies continue rescue operations.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by providing useful information that could help in tracking criminal groups operating in their communities.
According to him, tackling insecurity is not the responsibility of government alone but requires the active participation of traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities.
“I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and to work collaboratively with security agencies. There is undoubtedly a huge role for traditional and faith-based institutions to play in this regard and I urge them to take the lead through the various channels provided by government,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that no country could achieve meaningful economic growth without peace and security.
He noted that his administration had continued to invest heavily in strengthening the country’s security system because a stable environment was necessary to attract investment and create jobs.
“Economic development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, stability and security. That is why our administration has continued to invest significantly in strengthening the nation’s security architecture,” he stated.
The President listed several measures introduced by his administration to improve national security over the past three years.
According to him, government has strengthened cooperation among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, expanded the use of technology for surveillance, supported community-based security initiatives and increased funding and logistics for the armed forces and other security agencies.
He said these efforts were beginning to produce positive results in different parts of the country.
“These efforts are yielding measurable results across many parts of the country. We remain committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, every investor, and every visitor can live, work, travel and do business in safety and confidence,” he said.
Tinubu also disclosed that efforts were underway to improve policing across the country through ongoing legislative processes.
He said the National Assembly was considering proposals aimed at strengthening policing at different levels, adding that the reforms would be introduced once the legislative process was completed.
“There is an ongoing process in the National Assembly targeted at enhancing policing at all levels. We hope to roll this out in no distant future,” he added.
The President further assured both local and foreign investors that Nigeria was becoming a safer destination for business and investment as government continued to improve security nationwide.
He said improved security remained one of the major priorities of his administration because it would encourage economic growth, create employment opportunities and boost public confidence.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges in recent years. Criminal gangs have repeatedly targeted schools, highways and rural communities, especially in the northern parts of the country. However, incidents are increasingly being recorded in other regions, including the South-West.
Although several mass school abductions have occurred in recent years, security agencies have often succeeded in rescuing victims through military operations, negotiations or intelligence-led missions. The Federal Government has consistently maintained that it is strengthening security operations to prevent future attacks and dismantle criminal networks.
The latest abduction in Oriire Local Government has generated widespread concern among residents of Oyo State, with many calling for stronger security around schools and rural communities. Parents, education stakeholders and community leaders have urged security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of the victims and prevent similar attacks.
The commissioning of the remodelled Premier Hotel, where the President delivered his message through Akume, also highlighted the government’s drive to encourage tourism and private sector investment. The historic hotel, one of the oldest hospitality facilities in the South-West, has undergone major renovation aimed at restoring it as a leading destination for visitors and investors.
While celebrating the investment, Tinubu stressed that such projects could only succeed in an environment where lives and property are adequately protected.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to restoring peace across the country and assured Nigerians that the government would continue working with local and international partners until every part of the country became safe for residents, businesses and visitors.