President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government did not pay ransom to the terrorists who kidnapped pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies understood the area where the victims were being held.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
He praised the armed forces for rescuing the victims, saying the operation succeeded because of support from the traditional institution and better security coordination.
“Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo State rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” Tinubu said.
He restated his government’s position against paying ransom, saying intelligence and knowledge of the forest guided its decision.
“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is,” the President said.
Tinubu said the operation showed the need to keep reviewing Nigeria’s security system to improve the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Each event teaches us new method, opens our eyes, challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategies, our map and operations,” he said.
He said the military was increasing its divisions from eight to 12 to cut response time and strengthen security operations.
“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.
Tinubu also repeated his commitment to creating state police with measures to stop misuse.
“There will be state police. And as state police will have guardrails from abuses. We protect it from abuses,” he said.
He asked traditional rulers to keep supporting security efforts and said forest guards were being better equipped to go after criminals hiding in forests.
“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” he added.
Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15 and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity. The Presidency announced on July 10 that the remaining victims regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
