The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State on the successful rescue of the 49 abducted school children and teachers, who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ captivity.

The party described the rescue as the outcome of sustained citizen engagement, consistent media pressure, and the responsive leadership of the Oyo State Government. It noted that Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated what responsible leadership looks like by treating public criticism and concern not as an affront, but as a call to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the Kwara PDP contrasted the development with the security situation in Kwara State, urging Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to make rescue of the 176 pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Woro community a priority.

“The attack also claimed the lives of nearly 200 residents”, the statement said.

According to the party, Governor Abdulrazaq’s alleged indifference and lack of decisive action extend beyond the Woro tragedy to the plight of hundreds of other victims of kidnapping and bandit attacks across Kwara State.

“Our party is worried that while Oyo people celebrate the return of their citizens, Kwara State is left mourning under a government that simply does not care. We cannot help but compare the Oyo success to the situation in Kwara, where about 176 innocent people abducted in Woro, Kaiama LGA, have been left in the kidnappers’ den since February 3, 2026. Today makes it exactly 158 days that these citizens have been abandoned in the forest, completely ignored by the Abdulrazaq government.

“The successful rescue in Oyo did not happen by accident. It happened because Governor Seyi Makinde showed true leadership, made the crisis his top priority, and worked closely with the Federal Government and security agencies. In sharp contrast, the government in Kwara has failed to face the issue of insecurity with the same energy, honesty, and determination needed to bring our people back home.

“What is even more disturbing is the way Governor Abdulrazaq treats critics and ordinary citizens who speak out. Instead of fighting bandits, this administration treats anyone who points out its failures as an enemy, using state institutions to hunt down and silence dissenting voices.

“Kwarans will not forget how elderly women from Ifelodun, who were peacefully protesting and begging the government to rescue their kidnapped loved ones, were Humiliated in front of the Government House, Ilorin while the police and security operatives watched. Meanwhile, in Oyo State, when protesters led by activist VeryDarkMan took to the streets, Governor Makinde did not send thugs to beat them. Instead, he joined them physically, explained the government’s efforts, and gave them his word. This shows that a determined leader sees critics as partners in progress, not as criminals to be thrown into a jail cell,” the statement reads in part.

“The Kwara PDP commends the people of Oyo State and the Southwest, the media houses, the Ratel Movement led by VeryDarkMan, and every private citizen who used their voice to keep the Federal and Oyo State Government on their toes until those children were freed.

“The party observed that throughout the difficult period, Governor Makinde accepted public criticisms and demands for greater action as part of the burden of leadership. Instead of treating concerned citizens as adversaries, he acknowledged their concerns, personally engaged with protesters, explained the efforts of government and reassured them that every necessary step was being taken to secure the victims’ freedom”.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said that it received with joy and relief the news of the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community in Oyo State.

In a statement on Friday night by the NGF Chairman/Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the comforting development, following months of high-level coordination, intelligence gathering, and disciplined execution.

The Forum also rejoiced with the families of the victims on the successful rescue which have now reunited them with their precious children and relations.

It commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government resulting in the success story.

“We are especially proud of the commitment and professionalism of our security forces throughout the operation. We are confident that this impressive multi-agency collaboration will yield more successes as the security forces do more to neutralise all threats and rescue our citizens who are still trapped in the den of kidnappers,” according to the statement.

“While we sincerely share in the grief of families and communities impacted by kidnapping and related incidents, we appeal to citizens to continue to support government’s efforts to protect lives and property in every part of the country, including giving timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies”. (TRIBUNE)

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