Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has congratulated parents of the 104 Dapchi girls released from the captivity of the Boko Haram insurgents, on Wednesday, just as he urged prayers for the parents of the five deceased students.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, on Thursday, Ajimobi also congratulated the Federal Government for deploying what he called timely cutting edge reconnaissance which, he said, culminated in the early release of the girls.
The governor said that the FG had again demonstrated its resolve to tackle the security challenges confronting the country, especially the North-East, with renewed vigour and alertness.
He declared that security was a joint responsibility of the government and citizens, thereby advocating eternal vigilance among citizens to nip criminality in the bud.
Given the country’s vast population and the daunting security challenges confronting it, especially insurgency, kidnapping, militancy, herdsmen menace, banditry and other forms of violent crimes, he said securing the country could be overwhelming.
Ajimobi said, “At a time like this, all hands must be on deck. This is not the time to apportion blames or call the intelligence gathering and combat-readiness of our security agencies to question. These are indeed trying times for the country.
“I know the trauma that the kidnapped young girls must have gone through while under captivity, but I rejoice with them now that they are back with us. And as a parent, I can imagine the agony of their parents, especially those who lost their adorable ones to the incident.
“While congratulating the parents of the 104 girls recently reunited with their parents, I solicit prayers and empathy for the parents of the five deceased children for God to comfort them and wipe away their tears.
“I commend the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari for rising to the occasion. With fervent and sustained prayers, I’m confident that the Chibok girls still being held by the Boko Haram will also breathe the air of freedom soon.”
