Kidnapping cannot thrive in Yorubaland —Oluwo

…commends Tinubu, security agencies over rescue of abducted Oyo teachers, pupils

By Adeolu Adeyemo

The Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for the successful rescue of teachers and pupils of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State who were recently abducted by suspected kidnappers.

The monarch described the activities of kidnappers and bandits as unacceptable, particularly in the South-West, insisting that criminal elements would not be allowed to gain a foothold in Yorubaland.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibrahim, on Friday, Oba Akanbi said the rescue operation demonstrated that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges through collaboration between the government, security agencies, and citizens.

He noted that the Yoruba people would continue to provide intelligence and support to security agencies in combating criminality, adding that such cooperation contributed to the successful rescue of the abducted victims.

The traditional ruler also cautioned politicians against exploiting the country’s security challenges for partisan purposes, stressing that national security and human lives should transcend political affiliations.

According to him, “No war, including banditry, has ever succeeded in Yorubaland. Kidnapping and banditry cannot survive on our soil.”

He urged those behind the Oriire abduction to abandon their criminal activities and leave the region, warning that any further attacks would be strongly resisted.

Oba Akanbi further stated that criminality should not be associated with any particular ethnic group, noting that every tribe has both law-abiding and criminal elements.

“Crime knows no race. No tribe or ethnic group should be stereotyped as kidnappers. Kidnappers and bandits are a disgrace to their families and communities,” he said.

The monarch commended President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs for facilitating the release of the abducted teachers and pupils, describing the development as a source of hope in the country’s fight against insecurity.

He called on political leaders across party lines, including both the ruling and opposition parties, to work together in addressing the security challenges confronting the nation.

“No patriot should rejoice when fellow citizens are killed. Human lives and dignity should be placed above political interests,” he said.

Oba Akanbi also urged perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry to desist from actions capable of bringing negative stereotypes to their ethnic backgrounds and appealed to them to treat innocent children and other victims with humanity.

Nigerian Tribune