Video: Oyo Gov visits rescued pupils, teachers at military hospital, says families will be reunited within 48 hours
Abdullateef Fowewe
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Saturday visited the pupils and teachers who were rescued after more than 50 days in captivity in Oriire Local Government Area, and said the state government expects to reunite them with their families within the next 48 hours.
The victims are receiving medical treatment and psychological care at the Military Hospital in Ibadan following their release during a coordinated security operation announced by the Federal Government on Friday dusk.
“The victims are currently receiving medical attention and are expected to return to state custody within 48 hours,” Makinde told journalists after the visit, adding that officials were arranging family visits before a formal handover.
“We’re putting logistics together to at least bring the families to see them. There’s a young baby in there who has been shouting, ‘Where’s my mum?’ At least, we want the mum to come and see her,” he said.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire.
They spent more than seven weeks in captivity before security operatives secured their freedom.
The Presidency said the operation freed all captives and detained several suspects.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga claimed eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and remain in DSS custody, while others were killed in the operation.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralized,” Onanuga said, adding that the government did not negotiate with the kidnappers or meet their demands.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he added.
Following the rescue, some victims appeared in a video to thank President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their release.
“We are grateful, Mr. President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see it in your heart. Thank you very much,” one of the rescued victims said.
Tinubu also welcomed the successful operation, commending the military, intelligence agencies, and other security operatives involved for ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
