The Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Dr Ibrahim Goni, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Goni also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his role in the operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
The NPS chief expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “unwavering commitment, leadership and decisive interventions,” which he said led to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also lauded members of the public, community leaders, local hunters and other individuals who provided credible intelligence and timely information that aided the rescue mission.
“The Service rejoices with the affected community over the safe return of the pupils and their teachers and extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones during the attack,” Goni said.
He reaffirmed the National Park Service’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
The 44 pupils and teachers were rescued by security operatives on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and marched them into the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.
According to the Federal Government, the rescue was achieved through a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation that dismantled the kidnappers’ network and targeted their hideouts.
