Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu went “to every length” to ensure the safe release of abducted pupils from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State without the payment of ransom, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said.
Uzodimma, who commended the federal government’s response to the incident, said the president demonstrated strong commitment and leadership by prioritising the safe return of the children while rejecting any arrangement involving ransom payments.
The governor said Tinubu’s intervention reflected the administration’s determination to protect citizens and strengthen efforts against criminal activities threatening communities across the country.
“The president went to every length to ensure that the children were rescued safely without ransom being paid,” Uzodimma said, according to a statement on the matter.
The pupils’ abduction had sparked widespread concern among parents, residents and Nigerians, with calls for swift action from security agencies and government authorities to secure their release.
Uzodimma said the successful outcome showed the importance of coordination between government institutions, security forces and relevant stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
He also praised the efforts of security operatives involved in the operation, urging continued vigilance and cooperation from communities in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns over rising cases of abduction across parts of Nigeria, with authorities facing mounting pressure to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities
