The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, has expressed profound relief and gratitude to God following the release of the 45 ‘teachers and pupils’ who were abducted almost 60 days ago in Oyo State.

In a statement issued shortly after news of the release broke, Bishop Badejo described the development as "sweet, sweet relief," noting that he was overjoyed by the safe return of the victims after nearly two months of captivity. He thanked God Almighty for making the release possible, and extended heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, all security agencies and operatives involved in the rescue efforts, the media, and everyone who prayed, fasted, and mounted pressure towards securing the freedom of the victims.

The Bishop offered his felicitations to the families who would now be reunited with their loved ones after such a long and agonizing wait, while also extending heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the course of the ordeal.

Bishop Badejo described the entire episode as a wake-up call to both government and citizens alike, urging greater collaboration in the collective effort to safeguard lives and property across the nation. He prayed that such ugly occurrences would come to a permanent end in Nigeria, and called on all to give God the praise for His goodness while asking for continued blessings upon the nation's leaders and citizens.

The Bishop further appealed for adequate rehabilitation to be provided for the released victims, who endured harrowing experiences throughout their 57 days in captivity, stressing the need for proper psychological, medical, and pastoral support as they begin the journey of recovery and reintegration into their communities.