Makinde Pays Hospital Visit To Rescued Oriire Teachers, Pupils (VIDEO)

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday said the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over by the military authorities to the Oyo State Government.

The governor disclosed this after visiting the rescued victims at the Headquarters, 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospital, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are receiving treatment following their rescue.

Makinde described the victims’ release as a moment of joy and thanksgiving for the state, expressing gratitude to God and commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their role in securing the victims’ freedom.

According to the governor, all 39 abducted pupils and five of the seven teachers have been rescued. 

“Today is a day of joy and gratitude for us in Oyo State. We thank God that these children and their teachers have regained their freedom. I also want to appreciate the Nigerian Army and all the security agencies that worked tirelessly to make this rescue possible,” Makinde said.

He, however, noted that the operation came at a cost, revealing that some security personnel lost their lives during the rescue mission.

“Some of our brave security operatives paid the supreme price in the course of this operation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and assure them that the sacrifices of these heroes will never be forgotten,” he said.

Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, the governor said they were delighted to regain their freedom but appeared physically weak after spending weeks in captivity.

He explained that medical personnel were carrying out comprehensive assessments, while psychosocial support would also be provided to help them recover from the trauma of their experience.

“The children and their teachers are happy to be free, but some of them are understandably weak and will require medical attention and psychosocial support. They will remain here for the next 48 hours for proper observation and assessment before they are formally transferred from the military authorities to the Oyo State Government,” he said.

Makinde also revealed that arrangements were underway to allow family members to visit the victims at the military hospital, noting that one of the rescued pupils had repeatedly asked to see her mother.

“One of the little girls has continued to ask for her mother. We are already making arrangements to bring family members here so they can reunite with their loved ones while the medical assessment continues,” the governor added.

The governor urged residents of the state and Nigerians to remain united in confronting security challenges, stressing that such incidents should strengthen, rather than weaken, the nation’s resolve.

“This is not the time for division. These difficult moments should bring us together as a people. We must continue to support our security agencies and remain united against those who threaten our peace and security,” he said.

Makinde added that, in the coming week, he would brief the people of Oyo State and Nigerians on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the efforts that culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.

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