The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Bola Tinubu not to entrust the rehabilitation and welfare of the rescued victims of the Oriire kidnapping to the Oyo State Government, alleging that the state administration lacks the capacity to handle the exercise effectively.
The opposition party made the call on Friday while reacting to the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC described the successful rescue operation as “the best news of the year,” commending President Tinubu and security agencies for securing the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.
The party said the rescue underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and protecting the lives of Nigerians.
While congratulating the rescued victims and their families, the APC expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives during the incident, including a teacher reportedly killed by the abductors.
The party, however, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in Oyo State.
“As things stand now, state governors have to be more alive to their responsibilities, especially as it concerns the security of lives and property,” the statement said.
The APC also accused the Makinde administration of failing to give adequate recognition to the role played by the Federal Government in the rescue operation.
It also appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that the rehabilitation and welfare of the freed captives are coordinated by a federal agency or an ad hoc committee rather than the Oyo State Government.
“We would like to charge President Tinubu to entrust the rehabilitation and welfare of the freed captives to a federal agency or an ad hoc committee rather than Governor Makinde,” the party said.
The APC also called on corporate organisations and philanthropists intending to support the victims to channel their interventions through the Federal Government.
The party maintained that stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments remained essential to addressing insecurity and preventing future attacks on communities across Oyo State.
