Murray-Bruce hails rescue of Oyo school abduction victims

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Former Senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray-Bruce, has commended the Federal Government’s handling of the recent abduction case in Oyo State, describing the safe release of the victims as evidence that Nigeria’s security agencies are adopting more strategic approaches to combating kidnapping.

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In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, Murray-Bruce also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, saying the appointment remains one of the administration’s best decisions.

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The former lawmaker said the rescue of the abducted victims without reported physical abuse should prompt Nigerians to reassess the country’s evolving security strategy.

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He stated, “The release of the abducted victims in Oyo State should make every Nigerian pause and reflect. They regained their freedom without the horrific abuse that so often accompanies kidnappings, and that did not happen by chance.”

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According to him, security agencies have begun confronting kidnappers from a position of strength rather than allowing criminals to dictate the terms of engagement.

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“What many may not appreciate is that the Nigerian state is increasingly learning to negotiate from a position of strength rather than weakness. In the case of Oyo, instead of allowing kidnappers to dictate the terms, our security architecture used the kidnappers’ tactics against them by taking their families and loved ones into confinement, therefore applying pressure where it hurts most.

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“Kidnappers must know that whatever they do to innocent Nigerians will be meted out to their families and loved ones in return,” he stated.

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Murray-Bruce described Ribadu’s security strategy as unconventional and effective in making kidnapping a high-risk criminal enterprise.

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He added, “This is precisely why I have repeatedly said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser is one of the finest decisions of this administration. His approach is strategic, unconventional and focused on making kidnapping an increasingly costly enterprise for those who engage in it.”

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The former senator argued that sustained deterrence remains critical to ending the country’s kidnapping crisis.

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“The day every kidnapper understands that crime will bring overwhelming consequences, not only for the perpetrators themselves but for their families, is the day kidnapping will begin to lose its appeal. Deterrence, backed by intelligence and the full weight of the law, is how nations win this fight,” he wrote.

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He added, “And note, a big beautiful prison will be built for kidnappers and their families!”

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Kidnapping for ransom has remained one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, particularly in parts of the North-West, North-Central and South-West, where criminal gangs have targeted commuters, farmers, students and residents.

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Successive governments have introduced military operations, intelligence-led policing and legislative measures to curb the menace, although attacks continue in several parts of the country.

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The Oyo incident is the latest in a series of high-profile abduction cases that have renewed public debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture and the need for tougher measures against kidnapping syndicates.

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