The Foundation for the Promotion of Childhood Care and Development (FPCD), Nigeria, has welcomed the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their freedom after 56 days in captivity as a moment of great relief and gratitude.
In a statement signed by its President, Professor Hannah Ajayi, obtained by Thecasternews, the organisation thanked God for preserving the lives of the victims and commended the Federal and Oyo State Governments, security agencies, and all individuals whose efforts led to their safe return.
While celebrating the reunion, FPCD stressed that the survivors would require comprehensive support to recover from the physical, emotional, psychological, educational, and social effects of their ordeal.
The group called for urgent provision of medical care, trauma-informed counselling, educational rehabilitation, community reintegration programmes, economic assistance for affected families, and stronger school safety measures.
The foundation reiterated that every Nigerian child has the right to learn in a safe and nurturing environment and pledged to continue advocating for child protection, safe schools, and quality childhood development across the country.
FPCD further urged governments at all levels, development partners, and child protection stakeholders to intensify efforts to prevent future attacks on educational institutions, noting that no child or teacher should ever endure the trauma of abduction in pursuit of education.
According to the release “The falling heroes in this rescue mission will never be forgotten, noting that Posterity will never forget the service they rendered for their motherland.”
“Rest on the police and army officers that died in the process”
