(Oyo Victims. Photo by Reuben Abati)
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity following their abd*ction in Oriire Local Government Area will remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government.
The governor disclosed this on Saturday during a visit to the rescued victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are currently receiving medical care following their release.
Expressing profound gratitude over the successful rescue operation, Makinde described the victims’ return as a moment of relief and thanksgiving for the entire state, describing it as a day of gratitude to God and noting that the innocent children and their teachers had regained their freedom after enduring a traumatic experience.
He said the development was a huge relief not only for the affected families but for every resident of the state who had been praying and hoping for the outcome.
Makinde confirmed that all 39 abd*cted pupils and five of the seven teachers had been successfully rescued and reunited with security personnel.
He commended the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and all those involved in the rescue mission for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to securing the victims’ safe return, describing their conduct throughout the operation as remarkable and stating that their professionalism and determination made the successful outcome possible.
The governor, however, revealed that the rescue came at a painful cost, as some security operatives lost their lives in the course of duty.
He said the joy of the moment was tempered by the reality that some brave personnel paid the ultimate price, mourning their loss, extending condolences to their families, and assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten, describing the fallen officers as heroes to whom the nation owes an enduring debt of gratitude.
Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, the governor disclosed that although they were delighted to regain their freedom, many appeared physically exhausted and would require comprehensive medical attention and psychosocial support to aid their recovery from the trauma of captivity.
He noted that while the children and teachers were understandably happy to be reunited with their loved ones, some were physically weak and emotionally affected by their ordeal, and would receive the best available medical care, counselling and rehabilitation.
He explained that military authorities had advised that they remain under observation for 48 hours, after which a proper assessment would be conducted to determine their medical and psychological condition before they are formally handed over to the state government for further care and rehabilitation, adding that the state fully supported this professional approach given that the well-being of the children and their teachers remained the highest priority.
The governor further disclosed that arrangements were underway to allow family members to visit the rescued victims at the military facility, revealing that one of the rescued girls had repeatedly asked to see her mother since regaining her freedom, and that efforts were already being made to reunite families in a controlled environment that would also safeguard the medical and emotional recovery process.
Governor Makinde urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting the nation’s security challenges, stressing that periods of adversity should strengthen national resolve rather than create division, describing security as a collective responsibility that requires unity, vigilance and cooperation.
He added that the state government would provide a comprehensive briefing in the coming days on the circumstances surrounding the abd*ction and the coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue of the victims, noting that the immediate priority remained ensuring that the children and their teachers recover fully and are safely reunited with their families.
