Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has commended the Federal Government for refusing to pay ransom to kidnappers of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued by his media office, Igboho explained that the decision was aimed at discouraging criminal enterprise and preventing further funding of banditry and kidnapping across the country.

According to him, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes that paying ransom would embolden criminals and sustain their operations.

Reacting to the successful rescue of the victims, Igboho praised the efforts of security agencies, describing the operation as a product of “highly wired, intelligence-driven tactics.”

“I want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military, the Police, the Department of State Services and other paramilitary agencies for their painstaking efforts, which resulted in the freedom of the pupils and their teachers,” the statement read.

He added that the development had not only brought relief to affected families but also restored public confidence in the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

Igboho further lauded key security officials, including the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the National Security Adviser for their roles in the rescue effort.

“Since the day the pupils were abducted, the President has spared no effort to ensure their release. The government’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole is not in doubt,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing collaboration between the Federal Government and local security outfits to combat criminal activities in communities, particularly in the South-West region.

However, Igboho commiserated with families who lost loved ones during the period of captivity, especially that of a slain teacher, Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.