The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians not to allow the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State to overshadow the plight of thousands of other victims still being held by terrorists and bandits across the country.
Reacting to the release of the victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area after 56 days in captivity, on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said while the nation had every reason to celebrate, many families were still living in anguish.
“As encouraging as this development is, however, I find it difficult to celebrate without also thinking about other Nigerian families whose own story has not yet changed,” Okoh said.
The Christian body noted that although the rescue operation had restored hope to families in Oyo State, parents in other parts of the country continued to wait anxiously for news of their abducted children and 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,” he stated.
According to CAN, the suffering of families whose cases have faded from public attention should not be ignored.
“Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere,” the association said.
While expressing gratitude to God for the safe return of the rescued victims, CAN commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful operation.
The association also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for standing by the affected families and for pledging rehabilitation support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
CAN, however, stressed that the rescue should serve as renewed motivation for security agencies to intensify efforts to free every Nigerian still in captivity.
“It should strengthen our determination to secure the freedom of every Nigerian still held by terrorists, bandits or other criminal groups. It should renew hope for families who have waited far too long and reassure them that they have not been forgotten,” Okoh said.
The Christian body further called on governments, churches and humanitarian organisations to prioritise the rehabilitation of survivors, saying victims of prolonged captivity would require counselling, medical attention and emotional support.
“Our schools must once again become places of learning, not places of fear. No parent should have to choose between giving a child an education and keeping that child alive,” the CAN president added.
He maintained that the association would continue praying for the recovery of rescued victims, the protection of security personnel and the safe return of all Nigerians still being held captive, insisting that true celebration would only come when every Nigerian could live and travel without fear.
