Alausa applauds Tinubu, security agencies over Oyo school rescue

By Mariam Abeeb

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers recently abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The Minister also commended the Oyo State Government and the nation’s security agencies for their coordinated operations that secured the victims’ safe release without harm.

He described the successful rescue as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerian children.

Speaking through Comrade Ikharo Attah, his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Alausa expressed profound appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership and resolve throughout the crisis.

He similarly praised the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his administration’s collaboration with federal intelligence, as well as its immediate commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation, and safe reintegration of the rescued victims with their families.

Turning his attention to the tactical teams on the ground, the Minister applauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and allied intelligence agencies for the professionalism and bravery that led to the successful operation and the subsequent arrest of the perpetrators.

“The successful rescue of these innocent children and their teachers is a moment of great relief for the nation.

“It reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protect the lives of Nigerians and demonstrates the growing effectiveness of collaboration among the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and our security agencies,”Alausa stated.

He added that the collective efforts of the personnel involved have restored hope to the affected families and reassured citizens that national institutions remain resolute in confronting criminality.

While expressing deep sympathy to the pupils and teachers for the emotional trauma endured during their captivity, Dr. Alausa prayed for their speedy physical and psychological recovery.

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to working alongside relevant stakeholders to strengthen school security nationwide under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging communities, parents, and school authorities to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security forces.

Speaking during the visit at the project site, the councillor said the land for the market was provided by the local government with the approval of the Chairman of Dawakin Tofa Local Government, Alhaji Anas Mukhtar Dan Maliki.

“Yes, indeed, it was the local government that allocated this land with the approval of the chairman for this project to commence,” he said.

According to him, the market has been designed to accommodate various commercial activities, including agricultural produce trading, livestock sales and food vendors.

“As you can see, this market accommodates many activities. There is a section for weighing goods, a section for livestock trading, and various sections for vendors who sell fried snacks, cincin and soup ingredients,” he stated.

The councillor explained that major commodities traded in the market include rice, maize, groundnuts and other agricultural produce cultivated within the area.

He added that the market would serve not only residents of the host community but also neighbouring local government areas.

“Bagwai, Shanono and Bichi communities all come to this market. Therefore, all the neighbouring local government areas around us will benefit from this market,” he said.

The councillor further disclosed that local supervisors had been selected to monitor the implementation of the project from inception to completion.

“Before the project began, discussions were held and people were selected to supervise the project from its commencement until it is completed and put into use,” he said.