Olushola Omogbehin
President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government refused to 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 terrain where the victims were held.
He disclosed this on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Commending the armed forces for securing the release of the abducted victims, Tinubu said the successful operation was achieved through collaboration with traditional institution and improved 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.
While maintaining his administration’s policy against paying ransom to criminal groups, he stressed that intelligence and knowledge of the forest environment informed the government’s approach.
“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is. 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.
According to Tinubu, the military was expanding its operational capacity by increasing the number of divisions from eight to 12 to reduce response time and strengthen efforts against insecurity.
“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.
“There will be state police. And as state police will have guardrails from abuses. We protect it from abuses,” he said.
He appealed to the traditional rulers to continue supporting security efforts, particularly government efforts at strengthening the capacity of forest guards to combat criminal elements operating 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.
On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity while others gained their freedom on July 10.
