Oriire: Standing Firm Despite Abductions By Oba Tajudeen Of Esinele

Oba Tajudeen Abioye, an Elesinele from Esinele, the host community where teachers and students were kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has given an explanation for his decision to remain in the community after other residents fled.

He spoke in response to the news that the kidnapped students, teachers, and students had been freed over the weekend.

Speaking, the monarch expressed how happy and excited he was to learn of the release.

“If I had fled the community during the crisis period, the whole place would have become desolate by now.

“It was a very tough period for us all. More so, if I had gone away from the town, like many people did, it would have sent the wrong signal to the people.

“We thank President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the security operatives and all those who stood by us during the period of the capture.

“With the release, we cannot sleep and continue our lives as before. I am sure many people will be glad to return to town and continue their lives.”

Also speaking, the Seriki Fulani of Oriire Local Government, Alhaji Suleiman Aliu, said he was overwhelmed with joy at the release of the victims.

“Since I was born and came of age, I had never felt such joy when I heard the news of their release.

“I was born and grew up in this community, nothing like this had ever happened here before, so it was strange to us when it happened.”

“But we are thankful to God and grateful to the government for helping us rescue them safely.”

Also, Rev. S.A. Oyekola of the First Baptist Church, Yawota, disclosed that one of the kidnapped children is a pupil at a private school.

“We are grateful to the government for making the release of the victims possible.

“The abduction caught us by surprise, especially the involvement of children who are some of our students. We can only thank God, the government and the security for their rescue. May God bless them all.”

We are immensely grateful to God for preserving the lives of our teachers and students during this difficult time. His protection and mercy have kept us safe, and we give all the glory and praise to Him. We trust that His continued guidance will lead us to peace and safety in the days ahead.