Makinde confirms 39 pupils and five teachers freed as security forces pay ultimate price in rescue operation
Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
OYO State Governor Seyi Makinde has visited the rescued victims of the Oriire school abduction, expressing profound relief and gratitude following their release after 57 harrowing days in captivity.
The governor met with the children and teachers at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Governor Makinde confirmed that all 39 pupils and five of the seven abducted teachers have been rescued and reunited with security personnel.
He gave glory to God and commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
However, the governor revealed that the successful rescue operation came at a significant cost, with some security operatives losing their lives during the mission.
“The rescue operation came with sacrifices,” Makinde said. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not be in vain.
Victims Require Medical and Psychological Support
Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, the governor noted that while the pupils and teachers were happy to regain their freedom, some appeared physically weak and would require medical care and psychosocial support to overcome post-traumatic experiences from their prolonged captivity.
The victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which an assessment will be conducted before their formal transfer from military authorities to the Oyo State Government for further management and rehabilitation.
Governor Makinde also disclosed that arrangements were being made to bring family members to the barracks to see their loved ones, particularly noting the case of a young girl who had repeatedly asked for her mother since regaining freedom.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, stressing that difficult periods should serve as moments for collective action rather than division.
The governor added that he would officially brief the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in the coming week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the efforts that culminated in the successful rescue.
President Tinubu Commends Security Forces
The children and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, by terrorists and spent 57 days in captivity.
On Friday, the presidency announced the rescue, with President Bola Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, revealing that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga confirmed that the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers. A notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
In a statement on Friday night, President Tinubu expressed delight over the successful rescue, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending the victims’ 56-day ordeal.
The President sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured and commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation.
Tinubu directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from their ordeal.
