‘Rescue Our Loved Ones Too’ — Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Replicate Oyo Operation in Borno, Kwara, Kaduna

• The successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State has sparked nationwide calls for President Bola Tinubu to replicate the intelligence-led operation in Borno, Kwara, Kaduna and other states where hundreds of victims remain in captivity.

The successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity has intensified calls on President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies to launch similar operations to free hundreds of schoolchildren, women and other victims still being held by terrorists across the country.

Families of abducted victims, religious leaders, community groups, civil society organisations and opposition figures have urged the Federal Government to replicate the intelligence-driven operation that secured the release of the Oyo victims in states such as Borno, Kwara and Kaduna, where many abductees have remained in captivity for months.

The renewed appeals followed Friday’s announcement that all those kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 had regained their freedom without the payment of ransom.

Security authorities said the rescue operation was intelligence-led and jointly executed by the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as proof that coordinated security efforts backed by strong intelligence can successfully free kidnapped victims.

However, while Nigerians celebrated the rescue, attention quickly shifted to dozens of other victims still being held across different parts of the country.

Borno families demand similar action

Parents of 78 students still in Boko Haram captivity in Borno State said the Oyo rescue has renewed their hope but also deepened their frustration over the prolonged silence surrounding their children’s fate.

On May 16, suspected Boko Haram insurgents abducted 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

Just weeks later, on June 29, another attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, resulted in the abduction of 36 students and a teacher.

Speaking on behalf of affected families, Ibrahim Millam, whose daughter Esther is among those abducted in Lassa, said parents have received no meaningful update from authorities since the incident.

“Since they took my daughter and the other students, we have received no information. We commend the Federal Government for rescuing the Oyo pupils, but our children should not be left to die in captivity,” he said.

Another resident, Sani Abdullahi, said the continued captivity of the students has thrown families into emotional distress.

“We have held meetings and appealed through different channels, but all we receive are assurances. We are asking, when will our children return?” he said.

Kwara residents seek same rescue strategy

The Oyo operation has also renewed calls for the rescue of 176 women and children abducted from Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State earlier this year.

During attacks between February 3 and 4, terrorists reportedly killed more than 200 residents, destroyed homes and public buildings, and abducted scores of women and children.

Residents said despite the deployment of additional security personnel after the attacks, little progress has been made in securing the victims’ freedom.

In an appeal signed by Comrade M.Z. Shero on behalf of affected communities, residents urged President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation.

“Our hearts remain heavy as we await the return of our loved ones. Every hour counts. Every life matters,” the statement read.

Community leader Usman Zakari said residents celebrated the Oyo rescue because it restored hope that those abducted in Kwara could also regain their freedom.

Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, congratulated security agencies over the Oyo operation but appealed for similar efforts in Kwara.

“We cannot afford another Chibok or Dapchi experience,” he warned.

Public affairs analyst Abdulrasaq Olanrewaju also questioned why the same level of urgency had not been extended to victims in Kwara.

Kaduna families fear for abducted worshippers

In Kaduna State, relatives of worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday attacks on churches in Ariko Community, Kachia Local Government Area, said hope was gradually fading.

Village Head Joshua Doka disclosed that the last proof of life came through an audio recording allegedly sent by one of the captives, claiming that several victims had died from hunger, illness and harsh conditions.

“They are still demanding N1 billion and 35 motorcycles. We are pleading with the Federal Government and security agencies to rescue our people before more lives are lost,” Doka said.

Analysts urge FG to adopt Oyo model nationwide

Security analysts described the Oyo rescue as evidence that intelligence-led operations can succeed if properly coordinated.

Maiduguri-based public affairs analyst Abubakar Kareto said the strategy used in Oyo should immediately be deployed in Borno and other states battling similar kidnappings.

He also urged the government to strengthen intelligence sharing and fully implement the Safe Schools Initiative to prevent future attacks.

Meanwhile, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, warned that youths in the state could stage peaceful protests if the abducted students were not rescued soon.

ADC, ACF and NEF demand equal attention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulated security agencies for rescuing the Oyo victims but insisted that pupils abducted in Borno and victims in Kwara deserve the same level of urgency.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said rescue operations should not become the benchmark for measuring success against insecurity.

“What Nigerians want is a country where children can attend school and citizens can travel without fear,” he said.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still in captivity across the country.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said innocent citizens in Borno, Kaduna, Kwara, Zamfara and other states deserve equal attention.

Similarly, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) criticised the Federal Government for failing to prevent kidnappings in the first place.

Its spokesman, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, argued that while the rescue of the Oyo victims was commendable, preventing such attacks should remain the government’s priority.

Presidency responds

Responding to the growing calls, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the President had already directed security and intelligence agencies to rescue every Nigerian still being held by kidnappers, regardless of where they were abducted.

According to Ajayi, security forces continue to carry out daily operations across the country, rescuing victims, dismantling terrorist camps and eliminating criminal elements.

“There is no ethnic or regional bias. The President values every Nigerian life, whether in the North-East, North-West, South-East or South-West,” Ajayi said.