The Political Awareness Group (PAG), the political arm of the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), heartily congratulates the Principal, teachers and students who have regained their freedom after about fifty-six (56) days in captivity, their families, the people of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, and indeed all Nigerians on this joyous and reassuring development.
First and foremost, we give all praise and gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT), whose infinite mercy and protection made this successful outcome possible. This heartwarming development has brought hope, relief and joy to the affected families, the school community and millions of Nigerians who stood in solidarity with them throughout this painful period. We thank Almighty Allah for preserving their lives and answering the sincere prayers of the nation.
PAG expresses its profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government, the Armed Forces, intelligence services and other security agencies whose professionalism, resilience and coordinated efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.
We also commend the media, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), human rights organisations, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and the countless well-meaning Nigerians who consistently advocated, prayed and supported the families of the victims throughout the period of captivity until this joyful outcome.
We particularly salute those Nigerians who refused to exploit this unfortunate incident for partisan, religious or sectional interests. At moments of national distress, patriotism, compassion and unity should always prevail over politics. The safe return of every Nigerian citizen is a collective victory for our nation.
While we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we cannot forget the painful sacrifice of the teacher who tragically lost his life during the early stage of this unfortunate incident. PAG extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and the entire educational community. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus and blesses his family with patience, strength and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
We further commend the remarkable courage, resilience and exemplary leadership demonstrated by the Principal throughout the difficult period of captivity. Her strength, composure and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the children and members of staff under extremely traumatic circumstances deserve national recognition. Her conduct exemplified the finest qualities of leadership, responsibility and selfless service. We therefore call on the appropriate authorities to honour and reward her for this outstanding display of dedication, sacrifice and courage.
PAG calls on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, corporate organisations, philanthropic individuals and humanitarian agencies to provide meaningful support to the bereaved family in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by the deceased teacher. We also urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the rescued pupils receive comprehensive medical care, trauma counselling, psychosocial support and educational assistance to enable them to return to school with renewed confidence, hope and dignity. Such interventions will not only aid their recovery but also reassure parents, teachers and communities that the nation stands firmly behind those who dedicate their lives to education.
This incident once again underscores the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly around schools and rural communities. Educational institutions must never become targets for criminal elements. Governments at all levels should intensify intelligence gathering, improve surveillance, strengthen the implementation of safe school initiatives, equip security agencies adequately, deepen community-based security partnerships and ensure swift responses to emerging threats capable of endangering the lives of pupils, teachers and other citizens.
PAG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting good governance, responsible leadership, public safety and policies that guarantee the protection of lives, property and the fundamental right of every Nigerian child to receive education in a safe, secure and conducive environment.
Once again, we congratulate the rescued Principal, teachers and students, their families, the people of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State and the entire nation on this remarkable achievement. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to protect our schools, strengthen our security personnel, comfort every family affected by insecurity, grant mercy upon the departed teacher, and bless Nigeria with enduring peace, justice, unity and prosperity.
Signed
Lukman Tunde Fasasi, PhD
Chairman,
Political Awareness Group (PAG)
Adesola Miftaudeen Bamidele
Secretary,
Political Awareness Group (PAG)
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