Oriire rescue: ASUU LAUTECH commends FG, Oyo govt, reiterates call for strengthened security in schools

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LAUTECH branch, has expressed profound gratitude to the federal and Oyo state governments, security agencies and all stakeholders who contributed to the safe release of the abducted students and teachers in Oriire local government area of Oyo state.

This is contained in a press release signed by Prof. Olujimi Dada and Dr. ‘Soji Arinola, chairman and secretary respectively.

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“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LAUTECH Branch expresses its profound gratitude to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the security agencies, and all individuals who worked tirelessly towards the successful rescue and safe return of the teachers and students who were recently abducted at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele, all in Oriire LG Area of the state while carrying out their legitimate duties.

“We are particularly grateful that the victims have been brought back safely to their families. Their release has brought immense relief and renewed hope to the University community, Ogbomosoland and the entire State.”

The association further expressed joy that one of their members, Prof Wole Alamu, whose wife was among the victims, can now heave a sigh of relief.

“The Branch rejoices especially with our dear colleague, Prof. L. O. Alamu, whose wife, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, the abducted but now released school Principal, is among those who regained their freedom over the weekend. We equally rejoice with and congratulate the families of all other victims who have now been reunited with their loved ones after what must have been a traumatic and agonizing experience. We pray that God grants them complete healing, renewed strength, and peace as they recover from this ordeal.”

In the same vein, the union sympathized with the families whose loved ones died in the hands of the bandits who struck in the schools May 15, 2026 killing some on the spot and another teacher in captivity as well as with the families of security agents who paid the supreme price during the rescue operation, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the losses.

“At the same time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who unfortunately lost their lives, including our security agents, in the course of this tragic incident. We share in your grief and pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest while comforting and strengthening the bereaved families with the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

ASUU meanwhile reiterated its call on beefing up security in schools across the state in order to forestall similar tragedy in the future, stressing schools should remain sacrosanct, immune to such anomalous occurrences.

“While we commend the prompt interventions and collaborative efforts that culminated in the successful rescue operation, this unfortunate incident once again underscores the urgent need to strengthen security around our educational institutions. Schools should remain sanctuaries of learning, safety, and hope—not theatres of fear and insecurity.

“Accordingly, ASUU, LAUTECH Branch, respectfully calls on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards safeguarding schools and other public institutions across Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. We urge the Governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security infrastructure, and implement proactive measures that will prevent a recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

“The safety of teachers, students, and all education workers must remain a national priority. A secured educational environment is indispensable to the pursuit of quality education and sustainable national development.”

It added, “We remain hopeful that, through sustained collaboration and decisive action, our schools and communities will become safer for all.”