Rescued Oriire Pupils: NHRC Commends, Spurs Security Agencies To Extend Operations To Others In Captivity 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)  has commended security agencies for the daring operations undertaken, leading to the rescue of the abducted Oriire pupils in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Commission however, spurs the security agencies to extend similar operations to others still in captivity of terrorists, saying that the “Oriire rescue must not be treated as an isolated success.”

The Executive Secretary of the Commission , Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, strongly urged security agencies to put in the same urgency, resources, and coordination to rescue other Nigerian citizens who remain in the captivity of their abductors.

“Every life matters. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish.

“While we commend this rescue, we are reminded that hundreds of Nigerians are still missing, still suffering, and still hoping.

“The State has a duty to protect the right to life and personal liberty of every citizen under Section 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution”, said a statement by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, NHRC Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.

The Chief Human Rights Officer noted that abductions, whether of school children, travelers, or community members, amount to gross violations of human rights and instill fear across the country.

He urged the Federal Government, security agencies and the state governments to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and prioritize victim-centered rescue operations.

“Rescuing one is commendable. Rescuing all is the mandate”, “No Nigerian should be left behind in captivity”, Ojukwu stressed.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of the everyone living in Nigeria as it calls on the government to put an end to insecurity in all its ramifications.