Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the safe rescue of the teachers and pupils who were held captive by bandits for 56 days as a moment of gratitude and relief for the state.
Makinde also disclosed that the rescued pupils and teachers would remain under medical observation for 48 hours.
“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.
The governor spoke on Saturday after visiting the rescued pupils and teachers, who are receiving medical attention at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following their release from captivity.
“All 39 pupils and five of the seven abducted teachers had been rescued and reunited with security personnel, giving glory to God and commending officers and men of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom,” the governor said.
“The rescue operation came with sacrifices,” Makinde added, revealing that, “some security operatives lost their lives during the operation.”
The governor commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones, assuring them that the sacrifices made by the deceased would not be forgotten.
Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, the governor revealed that the pupils and teachers were excited to regain their freedom. “Some of them appear physically weak, and will require medical care and psychosocial support to overcome post-traumatic experiences from their prolonged captivity,” he said.
Makinde further stated that plans were underway to reunite family members with their loved ones at the barracks, especially highlighting the case of a young girl who had continued to ask for her mother after being freed.
He called on Nigerians to stay united while facing security challenges, noting that, “difficult periods should serve as moments for collective action rather than division.”
Makinde also said he would provide an official 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.
