Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./GTE. (SOJA) has praised the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant boost in the fight against kidnapping while urging authorities to sustain security reforms across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Jimoh, the human rights and justice advocacy organisation commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for what it described as their professionalism, courage and coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
The group noted reports indicating that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised, adding that the Presidency had stated no concessions were made to the abductors, including refusing to release an alleged kingpin facing terrorism-related prosecution.
While awaiting a detailed official account of the rescue from security agencies, SOJA congratulated the rescued pupils and teachers, their families, schools, the Oyo State Government and Nigerians who had hoped and prayed for their safe return.
The organisation, however, urged the nation not to forget victims of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry who lost their lives in captivity or other violent attacks.
It extended condolences to bereaved families and called for continued support for those still grappling with the effects of insecurity.
According to SOJA, every life lost to criminal violence is one too many, stressing that lasting success against insecurity would be measured not only by successful rescue operations but also by preventing abductions and dismantling criminal networks.
The organisation cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, saying the rescue reaffirmed the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and ensure public safety.
SOJA also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee rights to life, liberty, dignity, personal security and education.
The advocacy group urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, educational authorities and humanitarian agencies to provide comprehensive post-rescue support for the victims, including medical care, psychological counselling, family reunification, academic assistance and security protection where necessary.
It also called for recognition of security personnel involved in the operation and insisted that all arrested suspects should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law while respecting due process.
SOJA further urged authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates by targeting financiers, collaborators, informants and other enablers of violent crimes.
The organisation advocated greater investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, border security, community policing, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations to prevent future attacks.
It also recommended stronger security measures around schools through regular risk assessments, emergency response plans, improved intelligence sharing and closer collaboration among schools, host communities, parents and security agencies.
SOJA maintained that schools must remain safe environments for learning rather than targets for criminal activities.
The organisation further called on governments at all levels to address socio-economic factors contributing to crime through expanded access to education, employment opportunities, vocational training, youth empowerment and social welfare programmes.
It urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information while avoiding rumours capable of undermining ongoing operations.
SOJA said the successful rescue demonstrated that coordinated and intelligence-driven security operations could produce positive outcomes and called on the Federal Government to build on the achievement in its efforts to eliminate kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes nationwide.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, justice, accountability, transparency, good governance and the rule of law while praying for the full recovery of the rescued victims and lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
