There was jubilation across the country on Friday, as abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
This came as opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the Allied Peoples Movement and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, welcomed the safe return of the victims and called on the Federal Government to take decisive measures to prevent a recurrence and strengthen security across the country.
Also, Senator Ali Ndume described the development as good news and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue dozens of people still being held by kidnappers in his constituency.
Checks by Saturday PUNCH showed that residents, travellers and passers-by in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State broke into spontaneous celebrations as news of the victims’ release filtered in, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety that had gripped families, schools and residents since the May 15 abduction.
Motorists and commercial motorcyclists parked along major roads to celebrate, while many residents offered prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of the victims.
