CAN Applauds Oyo Abductees' Freedom, Demands Secure Learning Environments

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has joined the citizens of Oyo State in celebrating the safe return of pupils, teachers, and other individuals who were abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. Their release comes after a grueling 56-day ordeal in captivity. Alongside this celebration, CAN has issued a strong appeal to both the government and security agencies, urging them to redouble efforts to secure the freedom of all Nigerians still held captive by terrorist groups, bandits, or other criminal organizations across the country.

The religious body emphasized that the successful rescue should rekindle hope for families who have long awaited their loved ones and serve as a reassurance that they have not been forgotten. CAN reiterated that schools must revert to being centers of learning, free from the pervasive fear that has gripped them.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of CAN, in an official statement, lauded President Bola Tinubu, the various security agencies, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for their dedicated efforts in orchestrating the release of the abductees from their captors. He stated, “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.”

Archbishop Okoh also commended the collaborative efforts among diverse government bodies, specifically mentioning “the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Agencies, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes and everyone who played a role in bringing this painful episode to a successful conclusion.” He further noted, “The reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence and a determination to protect innocent lives are reassuring and deserve recognition. Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear.”

Regarding Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the clergyman expressed, “He deserves our appreciation for standing with the affected families throughout this painful period. We are encouraged by his assurance that the Oyo State Government will support the rehabilitation of the rescued children and teachers as they begin to rebuild their lives. We rejoice with the government and people of Oyo State and pray that such sorrow will never visit our schools again.”

Despite the encouraging development, Archbishop Okoh admitted that it was challenging to fully celebrate without considering other Nigerian families whose circumstances remain unchanged. He highlighted the contrast: “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.”

He lamented the selective nature of public attention, stating, “Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere.”

Emphasizing Christian values, the Archbishop declared, “As Christians, we believe that every child is a gift from God and that every human life carries equal dignity. That is why Scripture urges us to “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3). Our compassion must never become selective, and our concern must never depend on geography, ethnicity or religion.”

CAN believes the Oyo rescue should reinforce national resolve to free all Nigerians still in captivity. It should also bring renewed hope to those families who have waited endlessly, assuring them they are not forgotten. The Archbishop stressed that bringing victims home is merely one part of the solution. Children, teachers, and their families who have endured weeks of trauma will require sustained care, understanding, counseling, medical support, and emotional rehabilitation to rebuild their lives. He urged governments, faith communities, and humanitarian organizations to collaborate in providing these essential services.

In this moment of thanksgiving, Archbishop Okoh implored all Nigerians not to let this success overshadow the plight of those still captive. He called for continued prayers, support for security personnel, and solidarity with all families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones. CAN pledged to continue praying for the full recovery of the rescued individuals and for divine protection over those risking their lives for national security. The association also prayed for comfort for families living with uncertainty and for success in all legitimate efforts to bring the remaining captives home. He concluded that their celebration would only be complete when all captives are released and all Nigerians can move freely without fear.