The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State for the 2027 election, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, has said the successful rescue of the abducted pupils, teachers and other victims from Oriire Local Government Area has renewed public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.

Gbolarumi, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, said the operation demonstrated that criminal elements could be effectively confronted when security agencies worked in synergy and received the necessary support from government.

In a statement issued on Saturday, he commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership that facilitated the rescue operation, while praising the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes and other security operatives for their professionalism and resilience.

According to him, the safe return of the victims has brought relief to their families, the affected communities and the entire Oyo State, describing the development as a significant victory in the fight against insecurity.

Gbolarumi expressed sympathy with the victims over the trauma they endured during their captivity and prayed for their speedy recovery and successful reintegration into normal life.

He, however, urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to sustain efforts at strengthening security around schools and vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas, to prevent future attacks.

The PDP chieftain also advocated improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, stressing that collective efforts remained crucial to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

While congratulating the people of Oyo State on the successful rescue, Gbolarumi called on security agencies to sustain the momentum by ensuring that those behind the abduction are arrested and brought to justice, insisting that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians must remain a top national priority.