The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping, saying the administration’s handling of recent rescue operations marks a turning point in tackling the menace.
The monarch made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Oyo traditional rulers to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they thanked the President for the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State without the payment of ransom.
‘Government Stood Firm Against Criminals’
Oba Ladoja praised the Federal Government for refusing to negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, describing the decision as a demonstration of strong leadership.
According to the monarch, the successful rescue operation has restored confidence that Nigeria is making meaningful progress against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Traditional Rulers Commend Rescue Operation
The Olubadan said the rescue of the abducted victims showed that coordinated security operations could produce results when backed by firm political will.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain security operations, particularly across the Oyo–Kwara–Niger forest corridor, to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
Tinubu Reaffirms Anti-Kidnapping Stance
President Tinubu reiterated that his administration would continue to confront insecurity without rewarding criminality through ransom payments.
He assured the traditional rulers that security agencies would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks across the country.