Member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Hon. Tolu Bankole, has commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Bankole said the operation that ended over 50 days in captivity was made possible by “the courage, professionalism and synergy of our security forces working under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“I sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all those who worked consciously to ensure the safety and rescue of the pupils and their teachers. Your sacrifice, intelligence and coordination have brought joy back to families and restored hope to our nation,” he said.
He specifically commended the Nigerian Army, 2 Division led by Major General C.R. Nnebeife, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NCTC, Defence Headquarters, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, NIA, NSCDC, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun Corps for their roles.
Bankole also condoled with families of those killed during the incident, including Mr. Oyedokun who was “gruesomely murdered by the terrorists,” and sympathized with the rescued victims over the trauma they endured.
*Calls for New School Safety Framework*
The APC chieftain said the Oriire abduction was another reminder that schools have become “soft targets” and urged government at all levels to adopt a more proactive approach to school security.
He proposed a 4-point model that Immediate fencing of all schools and reintroduction of well-trained, properly equipped school guards. “Since schools and students are now soft targets, we must make them hard targets.”
He suggested Integrate parents, traditional rulers, CDAs, and local vigilantes into a formal school safety framework in every LGA.
“Invest in perimeter walls, lighting, access control, and emergency response systems, as many schools remain “open and porous. Introduce safety education in schools.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Education, NEMA, NSCDC, Police and NOA to develop a curriculum on “how to identify danger, whom to call, and evacuation drills.”
“If you see something, say something. Timely information saves lives,” he added.
Bankole said the successful rescue proves that “when our security agencies are well-resourced and well-coordinated, they deliver,” and described President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security as “working.”
“As we celebrate the return of our children, let us commit to building a Nigeria where no child is afraid to go to school,” he said.
