Bankole Hails Oyo Rescue, Calls for Stronger School Security

A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Tolu Bankole, has applauded the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Community in Oyo State, urging governments at all levels to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.

Bankole said the rescue operation demonstrated what could be achieved through effective coordination among security agencies, while stressing that the country must now shift attention to preventing future attacks on educational institutions.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the APC chieftain commended President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as strategic leadership that ensured the safe return of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.

He also praised the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel for their roles in the rescue operation.

“I sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all those who worked consciously to ensure the safety and rescue of the pupils and their teachers. Your sacrifice, intelligence and coordination have brought joy back to families and restored hope to our nation,” Bankole said.

He also condoled with the families of those who lost their lives during the incident, including teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the abductors, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss.

The APC NWC member expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families for the trauma they endured, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

According to him, the Oriire abduction underscores the growing vulnerability of schools to criminal attacks and highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive school safety strategy.

“The abduction in Oriire is another painful reminder that our schools have become soft targets. We can no longer afford business as usual. Government at all tiers must now adopt a more innovative and proactive pathway to securing our schools,” he said.

Bankole called for the immediate fencing of schools across the country and the reintroduction of trained and properly equipped school guards to improve protection for learners and teachers.

“Since schools and students are now soft targets, we must make them hard targets,” he said.

He also advocated stronger community participation in school security, urging parents, traditional rulers, Community Development Associations (CDAs) and local vigilantes to work with government under a formal school safety framework in every local government area.

The APC chieftain further stressed the need for greater investment in school infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, lighting, access control systems and emergency response facilities.

He equally proposed the introduction of security awareness into the school curriculum through collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

“At this critical period, we must introduce security tips to pupils and students. The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with NEMA, NSCDC, the Police and NOA, should roll out a curriculum on safety: how to identify danger, whom to call, and evacuation drills,” he said.

Bankole urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information, saying security should be seen as a shared responsibility.

“Security is not only the job of government. If you see something, say something. Timely information saves lives,” he added.

He maintained that the successful rescue operation in Oyo had shown that well-coordinated and adequately supported security agencies could effectively tackle insecurity, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would help make schools safer across the country.