Governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi, has celebrated with parents of the 104 Dapchi schoolgirls who were released from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday.
He has also urged Nigerians to pray for parents of the five deceased students, as well as other girls from Chibok who are still in captivity.
His message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji Ajimobi on Friday.
The governor also congratulated the Federal Government for deploying what he called timely cutting-edge reconnaissance which according to him, culminated in the early release of the girls.
He said the Federal Government had again demonstrated its resolve to tackle the security challenges confronting the country, especially in the North-East, with renewed vigour and alertness.
Furthermore, he noted that security was a joint responsibility of the government and citizens, thereby advocating eternal vigilance among citizens to nip criminality in the bud.
Ajimobi, however, noted that securing a nation as vast as Nigeria could be an overwhelming task for the government alone hence, he challenged every citizen to also be vigilant.
“At a time like this, all hands must be on deck. This is not the time to apportion blames or call the intelligence gathering and combat-readiness of our security agencies to question. These are indeed trying times for the country.
“I know the trauma that the kidnapped young girls must have gone through while under captivity, but I rejoice with them now that they are back with us. And as a parent, I can imagine the agony of their parents, especially those who lost their adorable ones to the incident.
“While congratulating the parents of the 104 girls recently reunited with their parents, I solicit prayers and empathy for the parents of the five deceased children for God to comfort them and wipe away their tears.
“I commend the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari for rising to the occasion. With fervent and sustained prayers, I’m confident that the Chibok girls still being held by the Boko Haram will also breathe the air of freedom soon.”
