Ibrahim Goni, the conservator-general of the National Park Service, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire council area of Oyo state.

Mr Goni, in a statement on Wednesday, also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his role in the rescue. He thanked the president for his unwavering commitment, leadership and decisive interventions, which led to the safe rescue of the victims.

Mr Goni further acknowledged the contributions of members of the public, community leaders, local hunters and other individuals who provided credible intelligence and timely information that supported the rescue mission.

“The service rejoices with the affected community over the safe return of the pupils and their teachers and expresses condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones during the attack,” he said.

The service, he said, is committed to the safety of all Nigerians.

All 44 abducted schoolchildren and teachers were safely rescued by security operatives on Friday after 56 days of being held hostage.

They were abducted on May 15, when armed assailants attacked three schools across the Oriire council, forcing them into the surrounding forests near the Old Oyo National Park.

The rescue, the federal government said,  was the result of a coordinated, intelligence-led operation that targeted the kidnappers’ network and hideouts. 

(NAN)