Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the successful rescue of pupils and teachers held captive by bandits for 56 days as a moment of gratitude and relief for the state.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday after visiting the rescued victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are receiving medical attention following their release from captivity.
Makinde disclosed that the rescued pupils and teachers would remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for rehabilitation and further care.
“The rescued victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which an assessment will be conducted before their formal transfer from military authorities to the Oyo State Government for further management and rehabilitation,” he said.
According to the governor, all 39 abducted pupils and five of the seven kidnapped teachers have been rescued and reunited with security personnel.
He expressed gratitude to God for the successful operation and commended officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
Makinde, however, revealed that the operation came at a heavy cost, noting that some security operatives lost their lives during the rescue mission.
“The rescue operation came with sacrifices,” he said, extending condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel while assuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not be in vain.
Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, the governor said they were relieved to regain their freedom but noted that many appeared physically weak and would require medical attention as well as psychosocial support to recover from the trauma of their prolonged captivity.
He also disclosed that arrangements were being made for family members to reunite with their loved ones at the barracks, highlighting the case of a young girl who had repeatedly asked to see her mother since regaining her freedom.
Makinde urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting the country’s security challenges, stressing that difficult moments should inspire collective action rather than division.
The governor added that he would provide a comprehensive briefing to the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in the coming week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the efforts that led to the successful rescue of the victims.
