‘We know the forest,’ Tinubu defends decision not to pay ransom for Oriire victims

President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government deliberately refused to pay ransom to terrorists who kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State because security agencies had adequate knowledge of the area where the victims were being held.

Speaking on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a meeting with Oyo State traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Tinubu said the successful rescue operation demonstrated the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security strategy.

The President commended the armed forces, as well as traditional rulers, for their contributions to the operation.

“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,” he said.

Explaining the government’s refusal to negotiate with kidnappers through ransom payments, Tinubu stressed that intelligence and geographical knowledge played a critical role.

“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is,” the President stated.

According to him, each security incident provides an opportunity to strengthen operational strategies and improve the country’s response to emerging threats.

“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.

Tinubu disclosed that the military is expanding from eight to 12 divisions to enable faster deployment of troops and improve efforts to combat terrorism and banditry.

“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,” he added.

The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police, saying measures would be introduced to prevent misuse of the system.

“There will be state police. And as state police will have guardrails from abuses. We protect it from abuses,” he said.

Tinubu further disclosed that forest guards are being equipped to tackle criminal groups operating in forests across the country.

“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 said.

The Oriire school abduction occurred on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools and kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal. Teacher Michael Oyedokun was later killed in captivity, while the remaining victims were freed after 56 days, according to the Presidency.

Africans Angle News