Osinbajo Wants Abducted Oil Workers Rescued ‘As Soon As Possible’

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo wants the military to increase search for oil exploration workers abducted by Boko Haram on July 25.

He wants them located and released as soon as possible.

Professor Osinbajo commended the military for the progress already recorded in the rescue of some of the abducted persons.

A statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande said the Acting President urged them to use all available and expedient means in the circumstances to rescue them.

He added that justice would be pursued for the victims and against those who engaged in “this kind of unacceptable, criminal and terrorist conduct’’.

The Acting President condemned the abduction and also paid tribute to the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience, courage and bravery.

Some Oil exploration workers and members of the civilian JTF in the Lake Chad Basin Frontier Exploration were taken last week by members of Boko Haram.

They were carrying out exploration activity in the Lake Chad Basin area and members of the civilian JTF were providing security for them particularly around Jibi village situated between Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno state.

The attack led to the death of some innocent Nigerians.

Some 21 bodies were found by the military as they search for the abducted persons.

The military had earlier claimed it rescued the abducted persons a day after they were taken, but later said on Sunday that the statement was not true.

The retract of earlier statement came after Boko Haram released a video of some persons that claimed they were officials of the University of Maiduguri abducted by Boko Haram along with the oil exploration workers.

Professor Osinbajo had held an emergency meeting with Service Chiefs, asking them to return to northeast Nigeria military base to consolidate on gains made in the counter-terrorism operations.

For over 8 years the region has been terrorised by Boko Haram.

Over 2 million persons have been displaced and most of them have temporarily relocated to Internally Displaced Persons camps.