CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh
The Christian Association of Nigeria has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing it as a moment of thanksgiving while urging the government not to relent until all Nigerians still held by terrorists and bandits regain their freedom.
In a statement on Sunday signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN thanked God for the safe return of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
Recall that on May 15, scores of armed men stormed the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso and kidnapped school children and teachers.
After 56 days in captivity, they regained their freedom.
CAN, while thanking God for their safe return, noted that the rescue brought relief to families who had endured weeks of anxiety.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) joins the people of Oyo State and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians in thanking Almighty God for the safe rescue of the pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area after 56 difficult days in captivity.
“For the children who have returned, for the teachers who have been reunited with their families, and for parents whose tears have given way to joy, this is a day of profound gratitude. We give God all the glory for preserving their lives through an ordeal no child or teacher should ever experience,” the association said.
CAN also commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes for their roles in the operation.
“I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Agencies, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes and everyone who played a role in bringing this painful episode to a successful conclusion.
“The reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence and a determination to protect innocent lives are reassuring and deserve recognition. Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear,” the statement said.
The Christian body equally praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for standing by the affected families and welcomed his pledge to support the rehabilitation of the rescued children and teachers.
While celebrating the successful operation, CAN said many families across the country were still awaiting the return of their loved ones.
“As encouraging as this development is, however, I find it difficult to celebrate without also thinking about other Nigerian families whose own story has not yet changed.
‘Today, parents in Oriire will hold their children again after weeks of anxious waiting. We rejoice with them. But there are mothers and fathers in Borno, Niger and other parts of our country who will still go to bed praying that the next knock on the door will bring news that their own children are coming home.
“Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere,” CAN stated.
Quoting Psalm 82:3, CAN stressed the need to defend vulnerable Nigerians, saying every child deserved equal protection regardless of location, ethnicity or religion.
The association said the Oyo rescue should strengthen national resolve to secure the release of every Nigerian still in captivity and called on governments, faith communities and humanitarian organisations to provide counselling, medical care and emotional support for the rescued victims as they recover from their ordeal.
“Our schools must once again become places of learning, not places of fear. No parent should have to choose between giving a child an education and keeping that child alive,” Bishop Okoh stressed.
CAN urged Nigerians to continue praying for those still in captivity, support security personnel and stand in solidarity with affected families until all abducted persons regain their freedom.
“Our celebration will be complete not only when those in captivity are released but also when all Nigerians can move about freely without fear,” Okoh said.
The Punch
