Olubadan Praises Tinubu Over Oyo Students’ Rescue, Says Government Has Changed Nigeria’s Kidnapping Fight

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of abducted students and teachers from Oyo State, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against kidnapping.

Speaking on Thursday during a thank-you visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the monarch said the successful rescue without the payment of ransom had restored confidence in the government’s approach to tackling kidnappers.

Oba Ladoja, who led traditional rulers from Oyo State to the State House, recalled the widespread anxiety that followed the abduction, saying many residents feared the incident could spiral into a prolonged national crisis similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

“I just feel that it is important for us to come and say thank you to you. When we had the problem of the kidnapping, which was the first major one in Oyo State, we were apprehensive. We were saying, ‘What is the Federal Government doing? What is the Oyo State government doing?’ But we have now found that between you and your security people, which I must thank them through you, you have made a turning point in the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria,” the monarch said.

The Olubadan, who also serves as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, praised the Federal Government for refusing to negotiate with the kidnappers or pay ransom, describing the decision as a strong signal that criminal groups would no longer dictate the terms of engagement.

“The fact that you did not pay ransom. The fact that you stood your ground shows that we now have a government that knows what it is doing. So, Mr President, we cannot thank you enough for that feat. It was a big feat because the people of Oyo State said, ‘Are we going to become another Chibok? Is it going to be a perennial issue?'” he added.

While applauding the rescue operation, the former Oyo State governor urged the Federal Government to sustain military and security operations in the forest reserves where the victims were held.

He specifically appealed to the authorities not to withdraw security personnel from the affected forests, stressing that increased security presence would help prevent future abductions and improve safety across the region.

The rescued students and teachers had spent 56 days in captivity after they were abducted from their schools before eventually regaining their freedom, bringing relief to their families and communities.