CAN Hails Rescue of Oyo Schoolchildren, Urges FG Not to Forget Nigerians Still in Captivity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area, while urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to free thousands of Nigerians still being held by terrorists and bandits across the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the safe return of the victims after 56 days in captivity as a moment of thanksgiving, saying the development had brought relief to affected families and renewed hope for the nation.

“For the children who have returned, for the teachers who have been reunited with their families, and for parents whose tears have given way to joy, this is a day of profound gratitude. We give God all the glory for preserving their lives through an ordeal no child or teacher should ever experience,” he said.

The Christian body commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue.

According to CAN, reports that the operation was driven by patience, credible intelligence and a commitment to safeguarding innocent lives demonstrate the value of collaboration among security agencies.

The association also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for standing by the affected families throughout the ordeal and welcomed his commitment to support the rehabilitation of the rescued pupils and teachers.

While celebrating the successful operation, Archbishop Okoh said many Nigerian families were still waiting for the return of loved ones abducted in other parts of the country.

“Today, parents in Oriire will hold their children again after weeks of anxious waiting. But there are mothers and fathers in Borno, Niger and other parts of our country who will still go to bed praying that the next knock on the door will bring news that their own children are coming home,” he said.

He stressed that the suffering of families whose relatives remain in captivity should not be ignored simply because their stories no longer dominate national headlines.

CAN urged the Federal Government to build on the success recorded in Oyo by intensifying efforts to rescue all Nigerians still held by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.

The association also called for comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for the rescued victims, noting that children and teachers who had endured weeks of captivity would require counselling, medical care and psychosocial support to recover from their traumatic experiences.

It further appealed to governments, faith-based organisations and humanitarian agencies to work together to provide long-term support for the victims and their families.

Reaffirming its commitment to national peace and security, CAN said it would continue to pray for the safety of security personnel and for the release of all remaining captives, expressing hope that Nigerian schools would once again become safe places for learning rather than targets of criminal attacks.