The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has hailed praised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the President at the State House in Abuja, Ladoja said the rescue operation marked a turning point in the country’s approach to tackling kidnapping, particularly because the victims were freed without the payment of ransom.
The monarch said residents of Oyo State initially feared the abduction could develop into a prolonged national crisis similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping but praised the Federal Government and security agencies for ensuring the victims’ safe return.
“When we heard about the incident, we were apprehensive. But we have now found that between you and your security people, whom I must thank through you, you have made a turning point in the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria,” Ladoja said.
“We cannot thank you enough for that feat. It was a big achievement because the people of Oyo State said, ‘Are we going to become another Chibok? Is it going to be a perennial issue?'”
The traditional ruler also lauded the government’s decision not to negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, stating that it demonstrates firm leadership against criminal elements.
“The fact that you did not pay ransom, the fact that you stood your ground, shows that we now have a government that knows what it is doing,” he said.
“People now know that they have a president who will not negotiate from a position of weakness with any kidnapper.”
Ladoja urged the Federal Government to sustain security operations in the forest reserve spanning Oyo, Kwara and Niger states to prevent kidnappers from regrouping.
“You have been able to send away all the kidnappers, but please let us have the presence of the security agencies there so that they do not regather,” he appealed.
According to the monarch, the forest stretches from Iseyin through Igboho and Kishi into Kwara and Niger states, making it a strategic area that requires continuous security surveillance to curb criminal activities.
Ladoja also commended Tinubu administration’s infrastructure projects in Oyo State, saying ongoing federal road and development projects valued at more than N2 trillion have restored hope among residents.
“I don’t think we have had it as good before. The decay in the road networks is becoming something that we’re now hopeful that by the time you complete your second term, they’ll be things of the past,” he said.