Oriire Rescue: Okanlomo Odua Warns Against Politicising Security

The Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Chief Dotun Sanusi, popularly known as Okanlomo Odua, has cautioned political leaders and other stakeholders against politicising security issues following the successful rescue of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Sanusi described the safe rescue of the victims as a welcome development that should unite Nigerians in appreciation of the efforts of security agencies rather than become a subject of political controversy.

He said while the rescue had brought relief to the affected families and the people of Oyo State, public discourse on the incident should remain responsible, factual and supportive of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

Sanusi warned that any attempt to associate criminal acts with political declarations or presidential ambitions without credible evidence from the appropriate security agencies could fuel unnecessary speculation, divert attention from the fight against criminality and undermine public confidence in security operations.

According to him, security is a collective national responsibility that should unite leaders across political, ethnic and religious divides in the common task of protecting lives and safeguarding the country.

He stressed that the focus during security emergencies should be on the protection of lives, the safe rescue of victims and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, rather than political narratives capable of creating division.

The Okanlomo Odua therefore called on political leaders, public office holders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint, responsibility and objectivity in their public comments on security matters, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges require unity, professionalism and collective resolve.

Sanusi also prayed for God’s continued protection over Nigeria, strength for security personnel, comfort for families affected by the Oriire incident and lasting peace in Oyo State and across the country.