FG Pledges International Collaboration to Rescue Abducted Oyo Teachers, Students

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that every available strategy, including international collaboration, is being deployed to secure the safe release of the 47 teachers and students abducted from public and private schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

President Bola Tinubu gave the assurance through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the commissioning of the newly remodelled 154-room Premier Hotel in Ibadan on Thursday.

Addressing guests at the event, the SGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, particularly the growing cases of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

He specifically reassured residents of Oyo State and the South-West that the government is intensifying efforts to bring an end to the activities of criminal elements operating in the region.

“I must reassure the good people of Oyo State and indeed the entire South-West that the Federal Government is taking the recent rise in banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities very seriously,” Akume said.

He stated that the government was leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to rescue the victims abducted in Oriire Local Government, stressing that all realistic measures were being explored to ensure their safe return.

“I wish to assure you that every realistic measure, including international collaboration, is being pursued to ensure that the kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government are rescued safely without harm or avoidable loss of life,” he added.

Akume also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities.

He stressed that traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders have important roles to play in strengthening local security through existing government channels.

“I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and work closely with our security agencies. Traditional institutions and faith-based organisations have significant responsibilities in this regard, and I encourage them to continue providing leadership through the appropriate channels established by government,” he said.

The SGF noted that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved in an environment plagued by insecurity, explaining that the Tinubu administration has continued to invest heavily in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, the Federal Government has, over the past three years, improved collaboration among security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, expanded the use of technology for surveillance, strengthened community-based security initiatives, and increased support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He also disclosed that legislative efforts were ongoing to improve policing across the country.

“There is an ongoing process in the National Assembly aimed at strengthening policing at all levels, and we are hopeful that the necessary framework will be rolled out in the near future,” he said.

Akume expressed confidence that the government’s security interventions were already producing positive outcomes in several parts of the country and reaffirmed the administration’s determination to ensure the safety of citizens, investors and visitors.

“These efforts are yielding measurable results across different parts of the country. We remain committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, every investor and every visitor can live, work, travel and conduct business in safety and confidence,” he said.

He further assured local and foreign investors that Nigeria is becoming increasingly secure and remains an attractive destination for investment and economic growth.