Makinde prioritises rehabilitation of rescued Oyo pupils, teachers

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration’s immediate focus is to reunite the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area with their families and provide them with the support needed to recover from their ordeal.

In a post shared on his X handle on Friday, Makinde expressed gratitude over the safe rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity, assuring that the state government would prioritise their physical and emotional rehabilitation.

“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” the governor said.

Makinde also praised the security agencies involved in the operation, commending their professionalism, courage and sacrifice in securing the victims’ freedom.

“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families,” he added.

The governor’s remarks came after the Presidency confirmed the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers through a coordinated security operation.

According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were killed.

Onanuga said the rescue was carried out without negotiating with the abductors, despite their demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he said.

Following their release, the rescued pupils and teachers expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom, while the President commended the operatives for the successful operation and safe rescue of the victims.