The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a major turning point in the fight against kidnapping in Nigeria.
Ladoja made the remark on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The visit, which included other traditional rulers from Oyo State, focused on security in the state following the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo traditional rulers, the Olubadan praised Tinubu’s firm stance against paying ransom to kidnappers, saying the decision had restored public confidence in the government’s ability to tackle insecurity.
“We have now seen that, working with your security forces, you have made a turning point on the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria. Your decision not to pay ransom and to stand firm shows that we have a government that knows what it is doing,” Ladoja said.
He recalled the initial apprehension in Oyo State when the abduction occurred, noting that many feared it could become another Chibok or a recurring problem. The monarch thanked the President and security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
Ladoja urged the Federal Government not to abandon the forest areas, particularly the corridor extending to Niger State, stressing the need for sustained presence of security agencies to prevent kidnappers from returning. “If we are able to secure the place, it means that Oyo State is secured,” he added.
The commendation comes days after Tinubu disclosed that security agencies secured the release of the abducted pupils and teachers without paying any ransom.
The President revealed that the government rejected negotiations and instead applied pressure through intelligence-led operations, including the arrest of suspects’ family members and associates.
The victims were freed in July after about 56 days in captivity. Eight suspects were arrested, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
The meeting was held without the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Hakeem Owoade, in attendance.
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