There has been an outpouring of joy, gratitude and relief across Nigeria’s Muslim community following the successful rescue of the 44 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
Leading Muslim organisations in the South-West, including the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, and Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, Osun State, praised the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies for the successful operation while calling for stronger measures to tackle kidnapping and protect schools across the country.
MUSWEN commends FG, Oyo Government, security agencies
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) congratulated the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and all security agencies involved in the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, the organisation described the intelligence-led operation as a demonstration of the commitment and capability of Nigeria’s security forces when properly coordinated.
“This intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the safe return of the victims, demonstrates the commitment and capability of our security forces when properly coordinated. We particularly commend the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other collaborating agencies for their professionalism, bravery and dedication that led to the neutralisation or arrest of several kidnappers,” the statement said.
MUSWEN expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for providing the leadership and support that made the rescue possible, while also commending Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government for their sustained efforts throughout the difficult period.
While celebrating the safe return of the victims, the organisation mourned the death of teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed while in captivity, and extended condolences to his family.
It urged government at all levels to ensure that the rescued pupils and teachers receive comprehensive medical care, psychosocial support and every necessary assistance for their successful reintegration into society.
The umbrella Muslim body also said the successful operation sends a strong warning to criminal elements that Nigeria will not tolerate attacks on innocent citizens, particularly children and educators.
It called on both the Federal and State Governments to build on the success by strengthening school security, improving intelligence gathering and addressing the root causes of insecurity across the country.
MUSWEN further appealed to parents, teachers and community leaders to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies in protecting lives and property, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace, unity and security in South-West Nigeria and the country at large.
MURIC praises Tinubu, Makinde, security agencies
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerian security agencies over what it described as a professionally executed rescue operation.
Executive Director of the organisation, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the successful rescue reflected patience, resilience and meticulous planning despite public pressure on both governments.
According to him, critics underestimated the complexity of rescuing dozens of hostages who had been turned into human shields by their abductors.
He commended the security agencies for strategically cornering the kidnappers before securing the victims’ freedom.
MURIC also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, particularly Lt. Festus Isaac, urging the Federal Government and Oyo State Government to immortalise the fallen heroes and adequately compensate their families.
The organisation, however, advocated tougher punishment for convicted kidnappers and reiterated its position that stronger deterrent measures are necessary to combat violent crimes.
Professor Akintola urged Nigerians to remain united against criminality, stressing that terrorism and kidnapping should never be viewed through religious or ethnic lenses.
“Our common enemies are the criminals who hide under the canopy of religion and they can only win if we are divided,” he said.
MSSN Lagos welcomes rescue, seeks lasting reforms
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, described the rescue as a beacon of hope after weeks of anxiety experienced by the victims’ families.
The Amir of MSSN Lagos, Dr. Ajibola Yusuf Salami, commended President Tinubu for his continued commitment to strengthening national security while applauding the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their professionalism and collaboration.
The students’ body also sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of Oyo State and the Ogbomoso community over the traumatic incident.
While celebrating the rescue, MSSN Lagos called for sustainable reforms, including the establishment of special anti-kidnapping and terrorism courts, speedy prosecution of suspects, stronger inter-agency collaboration, increased deployment of technology-driven security systems, improved protection for schools and campuses, greater investment in youth employment and maximum penalties for convicted kidnappers whose crimes result in loss of lives.
According to the organisation, security must remain a national priority if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable development.
Al-Mu’minaat celebrates rescue, calls for safer schools
Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, Osun State, also joined in thanking Almighty Allah for the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
In a statement signed by its Amirah, Hajia Salahudeen Asmau, the organisation commended Nigerian security operatives for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment throughout the rescue operation, while extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the operation.
It urged governments, security agencies and community leaders to intensify efforts to safeguard schools and prevent future kidnappings.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, justice, family values and community development while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at protecting lives and educational institutions.
It also prayed for the complete recovery of the rescued victims and for enduring peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria.
Renewed call for unity against insecurity
Despite their different emphases, the organisations spoke with one voice in praising the coordinated rescue operation and urging governments to sustain the momentum in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
They stressed that protecting schools, children and teachers must remain a national priority, while calling on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through vigilance, cooperation and unity in confronting criminal elements.
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