The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory against kidnapping.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said the successful operation should signal the beginning of a sustained nationwide effort to rescue hundreds of Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
“Every life matters”. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish.
“While we commend this rescue, we are reminded that hundreds of Nigerians are still missing, still suffering and still hoping”.
“The state has a duty to protect the right to life and personal liberty of every citizen under Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution,” Ojukwu said.
He urged the Federal and State Governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and prioritize victim-centered rescue operations across the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the pupils were abducted on May 15 after armed men attacked their school in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated multi-agency rescue operation led by the Nigerian military.
