By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Senatorial Candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims, and the people of Oyo State following the release of the schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Orire Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to the development on Friday, July 10, 2026, Ajadi described the news as a great relief and a moment of joy for Oyo State, saying his thoughts and prayers had remained with the victims and their families since the unfortunate incident.
The Oyo Central APM senatorial candidate recalled that during a political gathering held at Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area on June 25, where thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Accord Party defected to the APM, he publicly prayed for the safe release of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
At the event, Ajadi had said: “We pray that Almighty God grants the abducted children safety and that they are reunited with their families as soon as possible.”
Speaking after news of their release, Ajadi said he was grateful to God that the prayer had been answered.
“Today is a day of thanksgiving. I give all glory to Almighty God for preserving the lives of the schoolchildren and their teachers and for making it possible for them to regain their freedom. This is indeed heartwarming news for their parents, their communities, and every well-meaning resident of Oyo State.”
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Ajadi congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde for the successful outcome and commended everyone who contributed to securing the victims’ release.
“I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on this cheering development. From the very beginning, the state government demonstrated concern over the plight of the victims. I also appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that these innocent children and their teachers returned home safely.”
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities across the state.
According to him, security remains a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents.
“While we celebrate this joyful news, we must not relent in our collective resolve to strengthen security across Oyo State and Nigeria. Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment without fear, and every parent should have confidence that their children will return home safely after school.”
The APM senatorial candidate also expressed sympathy with the families for the emotional trauma they endured during the period of captivity and prayed that God would grant the victims complete healing, renewed strength, and peace of mind.
Ajadi further reiterated his confidence that with sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders, the challenge of insecurity could be significantly reduced.
He called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, unity, and the protection of lives and property, stressing that the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren should serve as a source of hope and encouragement for the country.
The release of the abducted pupils and their teachers has been widely welcomed across Oyo State, with residents describing it as a major relief after days of anxiety. The development has also renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
