The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended the successful rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Nigerians still being held by terrorists and bandits across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed gratitude to God for the safe return of the victims after 56 days in captivity, describing their rescue as a source of immense relief and joy for their families.
“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,” Okoh said.
The Christian body praised President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), local hunters, vigilantes and all others involved in the rescue operation.
CAN said the successful operation underscored the importance of patience, credible intelligence and effective collaboration among security agencies in combating criminal groups and rescuing victims without unnecessary loss of life.
The association also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for standing by the affected families throughout the ordeal and applauded the state government’s commitment to providing rehabilitation and support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
While celebrating the successful rescue, CAN urged Nigerians not to forget the many families across the country still awaiting the return of loved ones abducted by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
Okoh noted that although parents in Oriire could finally embrace their children again, many families in states such as Borno, Niger and other parts of the country remain trapped in uncertainty.
“Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere,” he said.
The association stressed that every Nigerian life is valuable and called on the government to sustain efforts aimed at securing the release of all remaining captives, regardless of where they are being held.
CAN further urged governments at all levels, faith-based organisations and humanitarian agencies to provide comprehensive medical, psychological and emotional support for the rescued victims, noting that recovery from the trauma of abduction goes beyond regaining physical freedom.
“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,” the statement added.
The association also called on Nigerians to continue praying for security personnel and supporting lawful efforts to end kidnapping and insecurity nationwide.
Reaffirming its commitment to the victims and their families, CAN said it would continue to pray for the full recovery of those rescued, divine protection for security operatives and the safe return of every Nigerian still in captivity.
“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 declared.
