SDP HAILS RESCUE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, MOURNS SLAIN ARMY OFFICER

The Social Democratic Party on Monday commended the Nigerian security forces for rescuing the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the operation as a demonstration of professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration.

The party also mourned the death of a 28-year-old Army officer, Lt. Felix Isaac, who was killed during the rescue operation.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP said the victims were rescued from their captors after spending more than 56 days in captivity.

Aiyenigba described the month-long intelligence-led joint military operation as a display of “unity of purpose, impeccable professionalism and gallantry.”

He, however, noted that the abduction remained a national embarrassment.

According to him, the incident underscored the government’s constitutional responsibility to guarantee the security and welfare of citizens.

He said, “The success story of this rescue operation reinforces the consistent position of the SDP that everything wrong with us as a nation can be corrected with the right politics, right attitude and correct capacity deployment of our leaders and the administrators of our national affairs, in an atmosphere of absolute commitment to the true interest of the nation and the promotion of the public good.”

The party celebrated the safe reunion of the 44 rescued schoolchildren and teachers with their families but expressed sadness over the death of Lt. Isaac during the operation.

“The party salutes the courage and sacrifice of the fallen officer in restoring joy to the traumatised families and for giving up his life to make the Nigerian society better. His death and other heroes like him will forever be remembered,” the statement added.

The SDP also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle poverty, hunger and social injustice, which it described as the underlying causes of insecurity across the country.

It prayed for lasting peace and security, expressing hope that democracy would translate into improved protection of lives and property.

The commendation came hours after Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed gratitude over the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Makinde, who visited the victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, said they would remain under medical observation for 48 hours.

The governor also condoled with families of those who lost their lives during the abduction, including Michael Oyedokun, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

He added that arrangements were being made to reunite the rescued victims with their families, revealing that one of the children had repeatedly requested to see her mother after regaining freedom.