Makinde meets rescued victims of Oriire abduction, to address Nigerians next week over what transpired
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday expressed gratitude over the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, saying that despite the loss of security personnel during the operation, the safe return of all the 39 victims alive remained a source of immense relief.
The governor spoke after visiting the rescued victims at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Facility in Ibadan, where they are receiving medical attention following their rescue by security operatives after spending weeks in captivity.
The victims comprise all 39 abducted pupils and five of the seven teachers kidnapped when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde disclosed that he would later in the week formally brief the people of Oyo State and Nigerians on the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the rescue operation and other developments connected to the incident.
“Later in the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what exactly transpired,” he said.
The governor thanked God for preserving the lives of the victims and commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their courage, professionalism and commitment throughout the rescue mission.
“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.
“Even though we lost soldiers and other security personnel in the course of the operation, we are grateful that all the children and teachers were rescued alive,” Makinde said.
He paid glowing tribute to the fallen security operatives, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“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 added.
Makinde said his interaction with the victims showed they were relieved to have regained their freedom, although many remained physically exhausted and emotionally traumatised by their experience in captivity.
He disclosed that the state government had assembled a team of medical professionals and mental health experts to provide comprehensive treatment, counselling and psychosocial support to aid their full 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,” the governor 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 said the assessment would be concluded by Monday, after which the military would formally transfer the victims to the state government for onward reunification 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,” he said.
Makinde also revealed that arrangements had commenced to allow family members visit the victims, recalling the emotional request of one of the rescued pupils 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 appealed to Nigerians to remain united in confronting the nation’s security challenges, stressing that moments of adversity should strengthen national unity rather than deepen divisions.
“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 stated.