The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) have said the release of kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren and teachers was a welcome development.
The children and their teachers were kidnapped nearly two months ago, and the opposition parties said their rescue, even though sketchy, was commendable.
PDP Interim National Working Committee (INWC) in a statement issued by the spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, commended the Federal Government, Oyo State government, security agencies and all individuals and organisations whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the victims.
“No one should be subjected to such trauma in the pursuit of education,” the party said.
It also called on the Federal Government to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of such heinous acts.
“The protection of lives and property remains the first responsibility of government and is the irreducible minimum that our country and its citizens deserve,” the PDP said.
Also, the APM, in its statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, described the release as a heart-warming development.
According to the party, this brings an end to weeks of agonising anxiety for the families, the academic community, the government and people of Oyo State and well-meaning Nigerians across the country.
The party commended “the tactical precision, resilience, and synergy demonstrated” by the security agencies for their efforts towards ensuring that these innocent citizens were brought back alive
“We also extend our special commendation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership, responsiveness and unrelenting efforts that rewarded the release of the victims and overall security of the State, especially at this critical time.
“Governor Makinde’s administrative support and collaboration with security agencies proved pivotal in achieving this positive outcome,” the party said.
APM stated that while it celebrates the safe return of the abductees, the government should ensure the safety of the nation’s educational institutions and the communities
“No Nigerian child or educator should have to pursue knowledge under the shadow of fear.
“We urge government at all levels to build on this success by deploying more robust, proactive security measures around schools, particularly in vulnerable communities,” the party advised.
