Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire local government area, who are currently receiving medical treatment at the Military Hospital in Ibadan, saying he will ensure that the little girl who is one of the rescued victims wailing to see her mother and others reunite with their families as soonest after rehabilitation.
The governor, who met with the victims and medical personnel attending to them, said the rescued pupils and teachers would remain under close medical observation for the next 48 hours to enable doctors assess their physical and psychological conditions.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, Makinde disclosed that the state government expects a formal handover of the victims from the military after the medical evaluation, after which the government will take over the rehabilitation and reunification process.
”We’ll watch them over the next 48 hours, so by Monday we think an assessment will be done and maybe there’ll be a formal transfer from the military to the state. Then we can manage the process from that point forward,” the governor said.
Makinde revealed that one of the rescued victims, a young girl, had repeatedly asked to see her mother, noting that the government would ensure the reunification process is handled with utmost care and sensitivity.
There’s a small girl in there that has been asking, ‘Where’s my mom? Where’s my mom?’ Obviously, we want the mother to be able to come across, and then we’ll determine the best time for them to come together as we confront these challenges,” he stated.
The governor appealed to residents of the state for patience and understanding as medical experts continue to monitor the victims before they are reunited with their families.
He also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians that his administration would provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the rescue operation.
“In the course of the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what exactly has transpired,” Makinde said.
The rescued pupils and teachers regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Meanwhile, the media team of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has congratulated the schoolchildren and their teachers who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their rescue as a renewed source of hope for Nigeria in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the media team expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving the lives of the victims and commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and the nation’s security and intelligence agencies for their dedication and coordinated efforts that led to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
The statement noted that while the successful operation deserves commendation, it also underscores the need for sustained vigilance and stronger collaboration between government, security agencies, and citizens in tackling insecurity across the country.
The media team, however, appealed to the federal government, the Borno State government, and all relevant security agencies to demonstrate the same level of urgency, determination, and commitment in securing the speedy rescue and safe release of the schoolchildren recently abducted in Borno State, stressing that every Nigerian life is equally precious and deserving of protection.
It called on all Nigerians to reject every form of criminality, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings, and other violent crimes, emphasizing that no religion permits or encourages acts of violence or criminality.
The statement further urged adherents of all faiths to work together in identifying, exposing, and isolating criminal elements within their communities, saying national unity and collective responsibility remain indispensable to restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
On their part, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, said the news of the release of the teachers and learners was received with immense joy describing their freedom as a victory for humanity and a source of renewed confidence for the education sector.
In a statement jointly signed by the chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami on Saturday, the union said the safe return of the victims had lifted a heavy burden from the hearts of teachers, pupils, students, parents, relatives and all lovers of education across Oyo State and beyond.
The union noted that the incident tested the resolve of the education community but commended teachers across the state for remaining united and steadfast while hoping and praying for the safe return of their colleagues and learners.
The NUT particularly expressed profound appreciation to the government of Nigeria, starting from the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oyo State government led by governor Seyi Makinde for demonstrating the political will needed to ensure that every available resource was deployed towards securing the safe release of the victims.
The union also lauded the commitment, professionalism, and courage of the security agencies whose tireless operations and collaboration led to the successful rescue of our people unhurt, describing their efforts as reassuring to citizens and particularly to those within the education sector.
The statement further appreciated the National and Regional Leadership of the union led by Comrade Audu Titu Amba, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions (NLC), Oyo State MoES&T, government functionaries, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, media, civil society organisations, global education community and countless Nigerians whose prayers, words of encouragement, and solidarity gave strength to the families of the victims throughout the period of the untold agony and uncertainty.
While celebrating this joyful development, the union commiserated with the families of those gallant colleagues who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident and urged the governments at all levels not to relent in their efforts to strengthen security around schools and communities, stressing that every child deserves to learn in a safe environment and every teacher deserves to carry out his or her professional duties without fear.
The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and relevant stakeholders to promote safe schools programmes, quality education, expressing confidence that the unfortunate incident would further strengthen collective resolve to protect lives and the future of every Nigerian.
In his reaction, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, called for sustained collaboration against insecurity as he commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State government and Nigeria’s security agencies over the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
A statement signed by the director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare on Saturday said the Ooni described the safe return of the victims after about 56 days in captivity as a significant relief to their families and a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies towards protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.
The foremost traditional ruler praised the professionalism, bravery and dedication displayed by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
Ooni Ogunwusi also commended Tinubu for providing the needed leadership and support that facilitated the successful operation and appreciated the Oyo State government, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
He congratulated the parents, guardians and loved ones of the rescued pupils and teachers, noting that their reunion marks the end of a painful period of anxiety, prayers and uncertainty.
The monarch however urged security agencies and relevant authorities not to relent in their efforts towards preventing future attacks, especially on schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
He stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community engagement and continuous collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to build a safer Nigeria.
