The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Sunday said while the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire local government area of Oyo state is a welcome development, Nigerians must not forget families whose loved ones remain in captivity across the country.
CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this in a press statement, saying the joy over the successful rescue should not overshadow the plight of other victims still being held by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
“As encouraging as this development is, I find it difficult to celebrate without also thinking about other Nigerian families whose own story has not yet changed,” he said.
He said although parents in Oriire can now embrace their children after 56 days in captivity, many families in states such as Borno and Niger are still waiting and praying for the safe return of their 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,” he added.
While thanking God for the safe rescue of the victims, Okoh commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes and all those involved in the rescue operation.
He said reports that the operation was driven by patience, credible intelligence and a determination to protect innocent lives demonstrated what could be achieved when security agencies worked together professionally.
The CAN president also praised Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, for standing with the affected families throughout the period of captivity and welcomed the state’s commitment to support the rehabilitation of the rescued pupils and teachers.
Okoh, however, stated that rescuing victims was only the first step, noting that children, teachers and their families would require counselling, medical attention and emotional support to recover from the trauma of their ordeal.
He called on governments, faith-based organisations and humanitarian groups to work together to provide the necessary rehabilitation for the rescued victims.