Oriire rescue: Basorun Musulumi calls on FG to strengthen security, tackle sociological challenges

Khalid ABRAHAM

The Basorun Musulumi of Ogbomosoland Alhaji Alimi Sarumi has appealed to governments at all levels to put more effort into strengthening security and tackling sociological challenges.

Alhaji Sarumi, who is the first Basorun Musulumi in Ogbomosoland, in a statement, urged the federal government, state governments and local governments to focus on the reduction of unemployment, provision of infrastructures and injustice, noting this is major panacea to insecurity.

The Basorun Musulumi made the call in a reaction to the rescue of the 39 students and 5 teachers, while consoling with the families of the slain teachers and security officers.

Recall the students and teachers were rescued on Friday 10th of July, 2026, after being captivity for 56 days.

The Basorun Musulumi in the statement noted that the news of the release has brought joy to the parents, guardians, school proprietors, teachers, Ogbomoso Community, religious movements and Nigeria at large.

This is as he commended the courage of the security officers and other relevant stakeholders for the release of the abductees, while tasking the governments at all levels to create more employment opportunities for the young school leavers, improve educational standards, and strengthen community developments.

The Islamic leader also extended his warmest congratulations and commendations to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alhaji Bola Ahmad Tinubu, “for his steadfast and commitment to the lives and properties as illustrated by the successful rescue of the pupils, students, and teachers in Oriire local government area of Ogbomoso zone, Oyo state.”

He said the release had brought immense pleasure and relief to Ogbomosoland and the nation at large while thanking Allah for the successful rescue.

He as well, expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as “his close collaboration with the federal government and security agencies.”

Similarly, Alhaji Sarumi commended the Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III and other Obas and Chiefs for their unflinching support towards the release of the staff and students, advising that security remains a collective assignment.

He also advocated cooperation between the tiers of governments in curtailing the security challenges confronting Nigeria, as he equally called upon governments at all levels to put more efforts in addressing the socio-economic problems by creating more job opportunities and strengthening community development.