Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, issues a statement following the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity. In the message released on Friday through his media team, the Sultan welcomes the Oyo State development and commends coordinated efforts by the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, and security and intelligence agencies involved in the operation. He says the successful rescue should renew hope in efforts to tackle insecurity and stresses the need for sustained collaboration among government bodies, security agencies, and citizens.
The Sultan urges the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Borno State. He emphasizes that “every Nigerian life is equally precious and deserving of protection,” and calls on authorities to apply the same urgency and commitment to freeing the abducted children.
He also appeals to Nigerians to reject criminality, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and ritual killings, adding that no religion supports violence. The Sultan encourages religious leaders and communities to help expose criminal elements and prays for the recovery of the rescued Oyo pupils and teachers while security operations continue until all abducted Nigerians regain freedom.
