Northern leaders, families of abducted victims and stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue people still being held by kidnappers and terrorists in Borno, Kaduna, Kwara and other parts of the country, following the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The appeal comes after security agencies freed the Oyo victims through a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police. The operation, which reportedly secured the victims’ release without the payment of ransom, has been widely praised as a model that should be replicated elsewhere.
In Borno State, relatives of students abducted during separate attacks on schools in Askira/Uba Local Government Area said they were encouraged by the Oyo rescue but expressed concern over the continued captivity of their children. They urged the Federal Government to give their cases the same level of attention and commitment.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) welcomed the successful operation in Oyo but urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to work towards securing the freedom of all Nigerians still in captivity across the country.
Similarly, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) said the government should not only focus on rescue operations but also strengthen security measures to prevent schoolchildren and other citizens from being abducted.
In Kwara State, residents and community leaders renewed calls for the rescue of more than 170 women and children abducted during attacks on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area earlier this year. They said the Oyo operation had renewed hope that their loved ones could also regain their freedom.
Families of worshippers kidnapped during Easter Sunday attacks in Kaduna State also appealed for urgent intervention, warning that many captives had spent months in difficult conditions.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) joined the calls, urging the Federal Government to ensure that all kidnapping victims receive equal attention regardless of where they were abducted. The party said every successful rescue should be matched by stronger efforts to prevent future kidnappings.
Responding to the appeals, the Presidency said President Tinubu had directed security and intelligence agencies to work towards rescuing every Nigerian still in captivity. It added that security forces were carrying out rescue operations across different parts of the country and remained committed to tackling kidnapping and terrorism nationwide.
