Rescued Oyo pupils, teachers set to reunite with families

Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families on Monday following their anticipated handover by the military to the Oyo State Government after 48 hours of medical observation.

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 had said the victims would remain under observation before being formally transferred to the state for rehabilitation and reintegration, adding that arrangements were already underway to reunite them with their families.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the state was hopeful the military would complete the handover on Monday, although the final decision rested with the military.

The expected reunion has sparked celebrations among families, with thanksgiving services held in Ogbomoso on Sunday. Parents expressed excitement at the prospect of embracing their children after weeks of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers in Oriire have urged the Federal Government to strengthen security in the area by upgrading the Police Post in Pamo to a Divisional Police Headquarters, saying the abduction exposed serious security gaps in the local government.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, the Yoruba Council of Elders and other groups also welcomed the victims’ rescue, commending President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the military and other security agencies for the operation while calling for sustained efforts to rescue Nigerians still held by kidnappers and terrorists.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA.

Two teachers were killed during the incident before the remaining victims were rescued after 56 days in captivity.