CAN Hails Oyo Schoolchildren’s Rescue, Urges Fresh Push To Free Nigerians Still In Captivity

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity, while urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of Nigerians still being held by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the successful rescue as a moment of profound gratitude but cautioned against allowing the development to overshadow the plight of families whose loved ones remain in captivity across the country.

“The rescue in Oyo should strengthen our determination to secure the freedom of every Nigerian still held by terrorists, bandits or other criminal groups. It should renew hope for families who have waited far too long and reassure them that they have not been forgotten,” Okoh said.

The Christian body thanked God for preserving the lives of the rescued pupils and teachers throughout what it described as an ordeal that no child or educator should experience.

“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,” he 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, vigilantes and all those involved in the rescue operation.

According to the association, reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence and a determination to protect innocent lives demonstrate that effective collaboration among security agencies can produce positive outcomes.

“Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear,” the statement noted.

The association further praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for standing by the affected families throughout the period of captivity and welcomed the state’s commitment to supporting the rehabilitation of the rescued children and teachers.

While celebrating the successful operation, CAN expressed concern for families in other parts of the country who continue to wait for the return of abducted loved ones.

“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,” Okoh said.

The association stressed that every Nigerian life deserves equal value and protection, regardless of location, religion or ethnicity.

“As Christians, we believe that every child is a gift from God and that every human life carries equal dignity. Our compassion must never become selective, and our concern must never depend on geography, ethnicity or religion,” the CAN president added.

The association also urged governments, faith-based organisations and humanitarian agencies to provide counselling, medical care and psychosocial support for the rescued victims as they recover from the trauma of captivity.

“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 said.

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to praying for the recovery of the rescued victims, the safety of security personnel and the release of all Nigerians still in captivity, insisting that true celebration would come only when citizens can move freely across the country without fear.