Makinde meets rescued victims of Oriire abduction, to address Nigerians next week over what transpired

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the teachers and pupils rescued from the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring them of comprehensive medical care, psychosocial support and the government’s commitment to their full recovery.

The governor met the victims at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Facility in Ibadan, on Saturday, where they are currently receiving treatment following their rescue by security operatives after spending weeks in captivity.

The rescued victims comprise all 39 abducted pupils and five of the seven teachers who were kidnapped during the attack on their schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

He disclosed that he would later in the week address the people of Oyo State and Nigerians on the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the rescue operation and other developments connected with the incident.

“Later in the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what exactly transpired,” the governor stated.

Addressing newsmen, Makinde expressed profound gratitude to God for the safe return of the victims and commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage and sacrifice throughout the rescue operation.

“I am very happy that the children are back, all 39 of them, alongside five of the seven teachers. We give glory to God, and we appreciate our troops, the officers and men who played a significant role in securing their release,” the governor said.

Makinde also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would forever be remembered.

“We also remember the officers and personnel we lost during this process. To all the families who lost their loved ones, we want to assure them that their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he stated.

The governor noted that although the victims were visibly relieved to have regained their freedom, many were still physically weak and emotionally traumatised after their ordeal.

According to him, the state government has assembled a team of medical professionals and mental health experts to provide the necessary treatment and psychological rehabilitation required for their complete recovery.

“Having interacted with the children and their teachers, I can say that they are happy to be out of captivity. When anyone’s freedom is taken away, it affects their state of mind, but they are grateful to be back.

“Some of them are still very weak and will require medical attention. There are also post-traumatic issues that need to be addressed, but we have a team ready to provide the necessary support and care,” he said.

On plans to reunite the rescued victims with their families, Makinde explained that they would remain under medical observation and psychological evaluation for another 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government.

He disclosed that by Monday, the assessment process would have been completed, paving the way for their eventual reunion with their families.

“By Monday, we expect that an assessment would have been completed, and there may be a formal transfer from the military to the state government. From there, we will manage the process going forward,” the governor explained.

Makinde further revealed that arrangements were already underway to allow family members visit the victims, recounting the emotional plea of one of the rescued children who repeatedly asked to see her mother.

“Today, we are already putting logistics in place to allow some family members to come and see them. There is a little girl among them who has continuously been asking, ‘Where is my mum? Where is my mum?’ We want to make it possible for her mother to come and reunite with her,” he said.

The governor used the opportunity to urge Nigerians to remain united in the face of the country’s security challenges, stressing that national crises should strengthen, rather than divide, the people.

“This is our country. Every country around the world faces challenges. When we are confronted with difficulties, it is not the time to sow seeds of division; rather, it is the time for us to come together and confront those challenges collectively,” Makinde said.