PDP faction led by Turaki celebrates release of kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers

The Kabiru Turaki-led group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed happiness over the release of pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo State. They see this freedom as a big relief and are asking the federal government to improve security to stop future attacks.

The group made this call in a statement on Friday, signed by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

Mr Ememobong mentioned that while details about how the victims were released are still unclear, the group appreciates the security agencies and everyone who helped get them back safely.

"Although details of the rescue remain limited, we commend the security agencies and all individuals and organisations whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the victims," the statement noted.

It also stressed that no child or teacher should have to face the fear of being kidnapped while they are learning or teaching. The group urged the federal government to act decisively to make sure such incidents do not happen again. They believe that protecting lives and property is the government’s main job.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the kidnapped pupils and teachers were freed after weeks of being held captive. This followed coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were among many taken when armed men attacked the schools on May 15. That attack also resulted in the death of a teacher and led to widespread outrage.

This statement is the latest from the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction, which is one of the groups claiming to lead Nigeria's main opposition party. This faction has an Interim National Working Committee with Mr Turaki as chairman and Mr Ememobong as spokesperson. They are currently in a leadership struggle with another group over control of the party.