NHRC Urges Fresh Efforts to Rescue All Kidnap Victims Nationwide After Oriire School Rescue
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and staff of Oriire International School in Ibadan, Oyo State, while urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of all kidnapping victims across the country.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said the successful rescue should not be seen as an isolated achievement but as a renewed call to tackle the growing kidnapping crisis affecting many parts of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Mohammed, Ojukwu said the rescue had brought relief to affected families but noted that hundreds of Nigerians were still being held captive.
He praised the coordinated efforts of security agencies that led to the operation, stressing that every Nigerian deserves equal protection.
“Every life matters. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish,” he said.
Ojukwu noted that while the rescue was encouraging, many families continued to face uncertainty and emotional trauma as their loved ones remained in captivity.
“While we commend this rescue, we are reminded that hundreds of Nigerians are still missing, still suffering, and still hoping. The State has a duty to protect the right to life and personal liberty of every citizen under Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.
The NHRC described the abduction of schoolchildren, commuters and residents as serious violations of fundamental human rights, warning that the continued wave of kidnappings had heightened fear and insecurity across the country.
The Commission called on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve inter-agency collaboration and adopt more victim-centred rescue strategies to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
“Rescuing one is commendable. Rescuing all is the mandate. No Nigerian should be left behind in captivity,” Ojukwu added.
The NHRC also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of everyone in Nigeria and urged authorities at all levels to redouble efforts to address insecurity.
The Commission’s appeal comes amid persistent kidnapping incidents across several parts of the country, where armed groups have continued to target schools, highways and rural communities for ransom.
While security agencies have recorded successes in rescuing some victims, concerns remain over the growing number of Nigerians still in captivity and the psychological, social and economic impact of the crisis on affected families and communities.
