The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s handling of kidnapping, describing the government’s approach as a major turning point in the country’s fight against the crime.
Oba Ladoja made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he appealed for continued Federal Government support to sustain recent security gains in Oyo State following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The meeting, which focused on the security situation in Oyo State and strategies to prevent a resurgence of kidnapping, drew public attention after videos and photographs from the Presidential Villa showed that the Alaafin of Oyo, Hakeem Owoade, was not part of the delegation.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Olubadan praised President Tinubu for maintaining a firm policy against paying ransom to kidnappers, saying the administration’s refusal to negotiate with criminal groups had strengthened public confidence in the government’s resolve to combat insecurity.
He also urged the President to sustain military operations and security patrols in the forest corridor linking Oyo and Niger states, noting that continuous surveillance of the area was essential to prevent criminal elements from regrouping and launching fresh attacks.
The monarch’s remarks followed the President’s recent disclosure that security agencies successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire after weeks in captivity without paying ransom.
Tinubu said the operation was intelligence-driven and demonstrated the government’s determination to confront kidnapping through coordinated security measures rather than concessions to criminal gangs.
