By Staff Reporter
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, July 11, visited the pupils and teachers of Oriire Local Government Area recently rescued from kidnappers, declaring that they were in stable condition and on the path to recovery after days in captivity.
The governor made the disclosure during an inspection visit to the 2 Division Nigerian Army Hospital, Odogbo, Ibadan, where the victims are receiving medical attention following their rescue by security forces.
Speaking after interacting with the victims, Makinde expressed gratitude to God for their safe return and commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the successful operation that secured their freedom.
He noted that although some of the pupils and teachers were still physically weak, medical professionals had already begun post-traumatic care to help them recover from the psychological effects of their ordeal.
According to the governor, the state government will continue to monitor their condition over the next 48 hours before a comprehensive medical assessment is carried out.
He explained that the military is expected to formally hand over the victims to the Oyo State Government on Monday to enable the state coordinate their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Makinde also disclosed that arrangements were being concluded to bring family members to the hospital to reunite with their loved ones, describing the move as an important part of the healing process.
“I am very happy that the children and teachers are back. We give glory to God and say thank you to our officers and men,” the governor said.
He, however, expressed sadness over the loss of security personnel during the rescue operation, assuring their families that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“It is sad that we lost some soldiers and officers. We want to assure their families that their loved ones would not have died in vain,” he stated.
The governor observed that the rescued victims were relieved to regain their freedom and optimistic about returning to normal life despite the trauma they had endured.
Makinde appealed to residents of Oyo State and Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, stressing that insecurity is a global issue that requires collective action rather than division.
He urged citizens to avoid politicising security matters, saying national unity remains essential to overcoming the country’s challenges.
“My final message is that this is our country. All countries around the world do have challenges. When we are challenged, it is not the best time to sow seeds of division, but to come together and confront our challenges,” he said.
The governor assured residents that he would provide a comprehensive briefing during the week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the rescue operation and the next steps being taken by the state government.
Members of the governor’s entourage included 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, Security Coordination, Major General Tokunbo Omoniyi (Rtd); Executive Adviser (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.
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