By IBUKUN EMIOLA and CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

Education stakeholders on Friday celebrated the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The stakeholders, however, urged the government to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Ibadan that the release of the victims was announced on Friday by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been freed by their abductors,” Onanuga wrote on his X handle.

An education evaluation expert at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adams Onuka, described the victims’ release as a welcome development, commending security agencies and the government for their efforts.

“We thank God, the government and the soldiers for doing their work.

“They should, however, extend this to everywhere else,” Onuka said.

He urged security agencies to dismantle criminal networks behind kidnappings, saying this would help restore lasting peace.

Onuka also congratulated the families of the released victims and expressed hope that similar successes would be recorded in tackling insecurity across the country.

Similarly, a former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr Olu Abiala, described the victims’ freedom as a relief for parents, teachers and the education sector.

“As a parent, one is celebrating.

“As a teacher, it is a relief, and as somebody who has been in the vanguard of the welfare of teachers and pupils, I am excited about the news,” he said.

Abiala, however, called on governments at all levels to be proactive in securing schools, lamenting that educational institutions had increasingly become targets of bandit attacks.

He recalled previous commitments by the government to improve school safety, stressing that urgent measures were needed to protect both learners and teachers.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has also expressed gratitude to God and the government over the victims’ release.

Describing the development as “Sweet, sweet relief,” Badejo thanked President Bola Tinubu, Gov. Seyi Makinde and security operatives.

The bishop also commended the media and all Nigerians who prayed and advocated for the victims.

“I thank God Almighty who made this possible, huge congratulations to everybody who prayed, pressured and fasted for this joyful purpose,” he said.

The bishop sent felicitations to families who, according to him, will welcome their loved ones back after such a long period of agony.

He also extended sympathies to families who lost loved ones during the ordeal.

Badejo called the abduction a wake-up call for the government and citizens to collaborate more on security, and urged urgent rehabilitation for the victims.

“I pray that all will be done to give adequate rehabilitation to the abductees who have gone through the harrowing experiences of the last 57 days.

“May such ugly episodes be brought to an end in our country, Nigeria,” Badejo prayed.

NAN reports that the release of the victims, kidnapped on May 15, has sparked widespread relief across Oyo State, with residents calling for stronger measures to secure schools and communities. (NAN)

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