*Rescue of Oriire Abductees a Victory for Makinde, Oyo People, Nigerians — Ogundoyin*

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has described the successful rescue of the remaining pupils, teachers and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a collective victory for Governor Seyi Makinde, the Federal Government, security agencies, the people of Oyo State and the entire people of Nigeria.

The Speaker, in a statement issued on Friday, said the safe return of the victims has brought immense relief, hope and joy to their families, their communities and all residents of the state who had anxiously prayed for a successful outcome.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin said the rescue marked the end of a painful ordeal and demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated security operations involving federal and state security institutions.

“I warmly welcome the cheering news of the safe rescue of the abducted pupils, teachers and other victims from Oriire Local Government.

“This development brings immense relief, renewed hope and joy to their families, their communities and indeed all lovers of peace across Oyo State. We are grateful that what began as a painful ordeal has ended with their safe return,” the Speaker said.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support for security agencies in the fight against the kidnappers of the teachers and students.

He also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his proactive leadership, steadfast commitment to the protection of lives and property, and sustained collaboration with federal security institutions throughout the rescue operation.

The Speaker further applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilance groups, local hunters, intelligence operatives and other security personnel whose professionalism, courage and synergy culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.

According to him, the operation has once again shown that effective collaboration among the Federal Government, state government, conventional security agencies and community-based security outfits remains critical to tackling insecurity across the country.

While celebrating the successful rescue, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin stressed that the country must not relent in strengthening its security framework, noting that the current security realities make an even stronger case for constitutional reforms that will allow the establishment of State Police.

He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing constitutional amendment process relating to State Police, saying the decentralisation of policing would significantly enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response to security threats and community-based crime prevention.

“The successful rescue of these victims is worthy of celebration, but it also reminds us that we must remain steadfast in our resolve to strengthen security across every part of our state and our nation.

There is an urgent need to fast-track the establishment of State Police as part of broader efforts to address emerging security challenges and complement the efforts of existing security agencies,” he stated.

The Speaker expressed confidence that State Police, operating within a robust constitutional and accountability framework, would improve internal security, deepen community policing and provide more effective protection for lives and property.