Alaafin hails Tinubu, Makinde over release of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for their roles in securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The monarch also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, traditional rulers and religious leaders for their collective efforts, describing the successful rescue as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing security challenges.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade expressed delight over the safe return of the victims after weeks in captivity. He also congratulated the parents and guardians of the rescued pupils, noting that their freedom had brought relief to families who endured weeks of anxiety and uncertainty.

The Alaafin lauded the commitment, professionalism and patriotism displayed by the security agencies throughout the operation, saying their determination and sacrifice were instrumental to the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers.

While celebrating the development, the traditional ruler reiterated his call for the adoption of a stronger indigenous intelligence system to complement modern security strategies in tackling insecurity across the country. He stressed the need for a security communication culture that is calm without evasion, transparent without recklessness, reassuring without dishonesty and patriotic without resorting to propaganda.

According to the monarch, national security cannot be sustained through military operations and weapons alone, as public trust remains one of the country’s greatest strategic assets. He said citizens must have confidence that public institutions are functional, responsive and deserving of their cooperation, especially during periods of security challenges.

Oba Owoade further stated that credibility in security management is built through consistency, transparency and accuracy rather than the volume of official communication. He added that effective communication should occupy a central place in Nigeria’s security architecture to strengthen public confidence and intelligence gathering.

Drawing lessons from history, the Alaafin said the old Oyo Empire flourished for more than 600 years because of its effective indigenous intelligence network, which enabled leaders to detect threats early and maintain peace and stability. He urged governments at all levels to strengthen collaboration between security agencies and local communities by integrating native intelligence into existing security frameworks to improve security and prevent future attacks.