Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the pupils and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, assuring them of the government’s commitment to their full recovery and safe reunion with their families.
The victims, who were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, are currently receiving medical care and psychological support at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Command Hospital in Ibadan following their rescue by security forces on Friday.
The successful operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the killing of several others, according to the Presidency.
Speaking after visiting the victims, Makinde expressed gratitude to God for the successful rescue, saying the state government would continue to provide all necessary medical, psychological and welfare support to ensure their complete recovery before they are reunited with their families.
“Earlier today, we visited the victims of the Oriire Local Government kidnapping incident where they are receiving treatment in Ibadan. We will continue to provide the necessary support needed for their full recovery and reunite them with their families,” the governor said.
Makinde also paid tribute to the civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue efforts, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“We also remember civilians and military personnel who lost their lives during this process. Our administration will ensure that they did not die in vain. May their souls rest in peace and may God continue to comfort their families.”
Addressing journalists after the visit, the governor said the rescued children and teachers were delighted to have regained their freedom but noted that many were still dealing with the emotional effects of their ordeal.
“Just like any of us, when your freedom is taken away, it is a different thing,” he said, adding that medical personnel were doing an excellent job providing post-traumatic care for the victims.
Makinde disclosed that arrangements were underway for family members to visit the children and teachers in hospital, revealing that one of the rescued girls had repeatedly asked to see her mother.
“There is a little girl who has been asking for her mum, and arrangements are being made to ensure she sees her mother,” he said.
The governor explained that the victims would remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours before being formally handed over by the military to the Oyo State Government for reintegration with their families.
He said the state government, in collaboration with the military and health professionals, would carefully assess their physical and psychological condition before commencing the reunification process.
Makinde also urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting the country’s security challenges rather than allowing insecurity to create divisions among citizens.
“This is the time for us to come together as one people to confront the nation’s challenges, not to sow seeds of division,” he said, adding that the government would, during the week, provide a comprehensive briefing on the rescue operation and subsequent developments.
The pupils and teachers were abducted when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
Their rescue after nearly two months in captivity brought relief to families and residents, ending weeks of anxiety over their fate.
