Lagos Assembly Speaker commends Tinubu, Makinde and security agencies after the successful rescue of abducted teachers and schoolchildren

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has welcomed the successful rescue of the 46 abducted teachers and pupils from Oyo State, describing the development as a moment of relief for their families and a testament to the value of coordinated security efforts.

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In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dave Agboola, Obasa congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army for what he described as their swift and collaborative response that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.

The rescued victims were among teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Their release on Friday ended weeks of anxiety that had attracted national attention and prompted sustained calls for stronger security around schools.

Obasa said the successful operation had restored hope to the affected families and offered reassurance to Nigerians concerned about the safety of schoolchildren across the country.

The Speaker also extended sympathy to families who lost loved ones during the incident, assuring them that the Lagos State House of Assembly stood with them in their period of grief.

“This rescue is a reminder that when government institutions, security agencies, and communities work hand in hand, we can overcome even the gravest challenges.

May this victory inspire renewed commitment to the safety of our schools and the protection of our children,” Obasa said.

The Lagos Assembly Speaker also acknowledged the role played by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) throughout the crisis.

Obasa recalled that members of the Lagos State Wing of the NUT marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly on June 2, 2026, while the victims remained in captivity, urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

According to Obasa, the demonstration reflected the strong solidarity within Nigeria’s education community and highlighted the determination of teachers to stand by their colleagues during difficult times.

The rescue operation has been widely welcomed by education stakeholders, government officials and civil society groups, many of whom have described it as a remarkable breakthrough in ongoing efforts to improve security across vulnerable communities.

Although details of the rescue operation have not been fully disclosed, security authorities confirmed that several suspected kidnappers were arrested while others were neutralised during the operation.

The abduction had renewed concerns about attacks on schools in parts of Nigeria, with education advocates repeatedly calling for stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced school security and sustained investment in measures aimed at protecting pupils and teachers.

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Friday’s successful rescue has renewed hopes that closer cooperation between federal and state authorities, security agencies and local communities can strengthen efforts to safeguard schools and prevent similar incidents in the future.