Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area are responding well to treatment and will soon be reunited with their families as part of their recovery process.
The governor made this known on Saturday during a visit to the 2 Division Nigerian Army Hospital, Odogbo, Ibadan, where the rescued victims are receiving medical care following their release.
Makinde expressed satisfaction with the condition of the pupils and teachers, noting that although some of them remain physically weak after their ordeal, they are in stable condition and are receiving medical and psychological support.
He disclosed that arrangements had commenced to bring family members to the hospital to meet the victims, describing the reunion as an important step in helping them recover from the trauma of their captivity.
According to the governor, the victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which the Nigerian Army is expected to formally hand them over to the Oyo State Government on Monday for continued rehabilitation and care.
Makinde commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their professionalism, sacrifice and coordinated efforts that culminated in the successful rescue operation.
He also paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The governor thanked residents of Oyo State for their patience, support and understanding throughout the rescue efforts, promising to brief the state and the nation on the operation in the coming week.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting security challenges, stressing that insecurity is a global concern that requires collective action rather than division along political or ethnic lines.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Oyo State Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu; Senior Executive Assistant (General Duties), Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Adviser on Security Coordination, Major General Tokunbo Omoniyi (Rtd); Executive Adviser on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd); Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Tilewa Folami.
