The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Saturday lauded the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, the security agencies and local hunters for the rescue of kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This was contained in separate statements issued by their media aides in Ibadan, the state capital.

Ladoja, in a statement by his media aide, Adela Oloko, said the feat had further demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to the security of lives and property.

PUNCH Online reports that the victims, numbering more than 40, were kidnapped from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a coordinated attack by bandits at about 9:30 a.m.

They, however, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, 2026, after 56 days in captivity.

The Olubadan said, “The release of the victims is a landmark achievement of the present administration in the country. The issue of the country is being taken seriously by the current administration.

“As a follow-up to this development, the government must ensure that all the communities that share a border with the National Park are fully secure. Also, the government must ensure proper rehabilitation of the victims,” noting the trauma and psychological stress they have undergone while in captivity.

“I want to thank our peace-loving Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for standing by the victims and their relations during their moment of trials. Likewise, the security operatives led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police and leadership of other security agencies.”

The Alaafin, in a release by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, also lauded Tinubu and Makinde for their unrelenting commitment to ensuring the release of the pupils from captivity.

Owoade, who was elated by the release of the abducted pupils, eulogised the security agencies for their deep sense of devotion and unflinching patriotism in working assiduously towards the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers.

He equally congratulated the parents of the abducted pupils on the safe return of their children.

The Alaafin said, “National security is not sustained by weapons and operations alone. It is sustained by trust. So, citizens must believe that institutions remain functional, responsive, and worthy of cooperation even in difficult times. Public confidence is itself a strategic asset.

“Credibility is earned through accuracy, consistency, and transparency rather than through volume of communication. This is why communication can no longer be treated as an afterthought within the architecture of national security. The goal is not to manufacture false optimism. It is to ensure that hopelessness does not become national doctrine.

“The old Oyo empire did not just last over 600 uninterrupted years, but through a cohesive native intelligence mechanism,” he added.