The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers of Oriire in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, while urging the authorities to extend the same level of urgency and commitment to securing the freedom of all Nigerians still held captive by kidnappers.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, described the successful rescue as encouraging but cautioned against treating it as an isolated achievement.
According to Ojukwu, every Nigerian deserved equal protection, stressing that the joy of the rescued pupils, teachers and their families should become the standard for every family still waiting for the return of their loved ones
“Every life matters. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish,” he said.
He noted that while the Commission applauded the rescue, hundreds of Nigerians remain missing and in the custody of abductors, calling on security agencies to sustain and expand rescue operations across the country.
Ojukwu reminded the government of its constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and liberty of citizens, citing Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to life and personal liberty.
The NHRC boss described the abduction of schoolchildren, travellers and community members as grave human rights violations that continue to spread fear and insecurity nationwide.
He called on the Federal Government, security agencies and state governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen inter-agency collaboration and prioritise victim-centred rescue operations to ensure that all kidnapped persons regain their freedom.
“Rescuing one is commendable. Rescuing all is the mandate. No Nigerian should be left behind in captivity,” Ojukwu stated.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of everyone living in Nigeria, while urging government at all levels to intensify efforts to end insecurity in all its forms.
