The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping.
The traditional ruler made the remarks on Thursday during a thank-you visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he led members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs to appreciate the Federal Government for securing the victims’ release.
The pupils and teachers were abducted from their schools and spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued without the payment of ransom.
According to Ladoja, many residents initially feared the incident could become another prolonged kidnapping case similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, but commended the Federal Government and security agencies for ensuring a successful rescue.
“The fact that you did not pay ransom. The fact that you stood your ground shows that we now have a government that knows what it is doing,” Ladoja told the President.
He said the government’s refusal to negotiate with the kidnappers had sent a strong message that criminal groups would no longer dictate terms to the authorities.
“It was a big feat because the people of Oyo State said, ‘Are we going to become another Chibok? Is it going to be a perennial issue?’” he added.
While commending the security agencies for their efforts, the former Oyo State governor urged the Federal Government not to withdraw security personnel from the Oyo Forest Reserves, where the abductees were reportedly held.
Instead, he called for increased security presence in the area to prevent similar incidents and strengthen the fight against kidnapping across the state.
