Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers, and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the development as a moment of profound gratitude while urging the Federal Government not to relent until every Nigerian still held by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups regains freedom. In a statement issued on Sunday, 12 July 2026, by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN thanked Almighty God for the safe return of the victims after 56 harrowing days in captivity.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on 15 May 2026 when scores of armed men stormed the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso, and kidnapped school children and their teachers. After 56 days of uncertainty, they regained their freedom on Friday, 10 July 2026, following a coordinated operation involving the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes.
CAN, in its statement, said the rescue brought relief to families who had endured weeks of agonizing anxiety. "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," the association said.
The Christian body commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes, and everyone who played a role in the operation. "The reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence, and a determination to protect innocent lives are reassuring and deserve recognition. Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear," Okoh stated. CAN also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for standing by the affected families throughout the period of captivity and welcomed his pledge to support the rehabilitation of the rescued children and teachers.
While celebrating the successful operation, CAN, however, noted that many families across the country were still awaiting the return of their loved ones. "As encouraging as this development is, however, I find it difficult to celebrate without also thinking about other Nigerian families whose own story has not yet changed," Okoh said. "Today, parents in Oriire will hold their children again after weeks of anxious waiting. We rejoice with them. 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. Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere."
Quoting Psalm 82:3, CAN stressed the need to defend the vulnerable, saying every child deserves equal protection regardless of location, ethnicity, or religion. The association said the Oyo rescue should strengthen national resolve to secure the release of every Nigerian still in captivity. CAN also called on governments, faith communities, and humanitarian organisations to provide counselling, medical care, and emotional support for the rescued victims as they recover from their ordeal. "Our schools must once again become places of learning, not places of fear. No parent should have to choose between educating a child and keeping that child alive," the statement added.
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