Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families on Monday after completing 48 hours of medical observation under the care of the Nigerian Army.
The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, have been receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan. Governor Seyi Makinde said they would be formally handed over to the Oyo State Government after doctors complete their assessment.
Makinde disclosed that arrangements were already underway to reunite the victims with their families, noting that several of the children had repeatedly asked to see their parents since their rescue.
Families of the victims spent Sunday in thanksgiving and anxious anticipation of the handover. Some parents gathered in churches and prayer centers, while relatives travelled to Ibadan in preparation for the reunion. State officials, however, said the final decision on the handover remained with the military.
The rescue followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Oriire on May 15. The operation, coordinated by multiple security agencies, secured the release of all the captives after nearly two months in captivity.
Following the rescue, the Oyo State Government said it was ready to partner with the Federal Government to strengthen security around the Old Oyo National Park, while traditional rulers in Oriire renewed calls for improved policing, including upgrading the police post in Pamo to a divisional headquarters.
The monarchs said the kidnapping exposed serious security gaps in the area, arguing that stronger security infrastructure was necessary to protect schools and rural communities from future attacks.
Several individuals and groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Yoruba Council of Elders, lawmakers and political leaders, commended the security agencies for the successful operation while urging authorities to sustain efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity across the country.
The abduction claimed the lives of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, who was reportedly killed while trying to escape, and teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was allegedly murdered during captivity. Authorities have pledged continued support for the rescued victims as they begin rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities.
