By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Adeola Badru
The Presidency, yesterday, disclosed that the schoolchildren and teachers rescued from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, will not be handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State until after 48 hours because they are undergoing medical examinations.
Responding to inquiries on whether and when the survivors would be presented to President Bola Tinubu, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said information from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, indicated that the rescued victims would be handed over to Makinde.
He said: “The children are still undergoing medical examination. They will thereafter be handed over to Oyo Governor Makinde.”
Corroborating the information, Governor Makinde also said the pupils and teachers would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over to the state government.
The governor made the disclosure, yesterday, during a visit to the rescued victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are currently receiving medical care following their release.
Expressing profound gratitude over the successful rescue operation, Makinde described the victims’ return as a moment of relief and thanksgiving for the entire state.
Makinde said civilians and military personnel who died in rescue operation would be honoured.
He said: “Today is a day of gratitude to Almighty God. We are thankful that these innocent children and their teachers have regained their freedom after enduring a traumatic experience. This is indeed a huge relief, not only for their families but for every resident of Oyo State who has been praying and hoping for this day.”
He commended the Army, other security agencies and all those involved in the rescue mission for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to securing the victims’ safe return.
He said: “Our security agencies have demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience throughout this operation. Their professionalism and determination made this successful outcome possible, and the people of Oyo State remain deeply grateful for their sacrifices and dedication.”
The governor, however, revealed that the rescue operation came at a painful cost, as some security operatives lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Our joy today is tempered by the painful reality that some of our brave security personnel paid the ultimate price in the course of this operation. We mourn their loss, extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, and assure them that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. These heroes laid down their lives in service to our nation, and we owe them an enduring debt of gratitude,” Makinde said.
Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, the governor disclosed that although they were delighted to regain their freedom, many appeared physically exhausted and would require comprehensive medical attention and psychosocial support to aid their recovery from the trauma of captivity.
“Freedom is the first step, but recovery is equally important. While the children and teachers are understandably happy to be reunited with their loved ones, some of them are physically weak and emotionally affected by their ordeal.
They will receive the best medical care, counselling and rehabilitation necessary to help them recover fully.
“The military authorities have advised that they remain under observation for the next 48 hours. At the end of that period, a proper assessment will be conducted to determine their medical and psychological condition before they are formally handed over to the Oyo State government for further care and rehabilitation. We fully support this professional approach because the well-being of these children and their teachers remains our highest priority,” he added.
The governor further disclosed that arrangements were underway to allow family members to visit the rescued victims at the military facility, revealing that one of the rescued girls had repeatedly asked to see her mother since regaining freedom.
“We understand the emotional needs of these children. One of the young girls has consistently asked for her mother, and we are already making arrangements to reunite families in a controlled environment that will also safeguard the medical and emotional recovery process,” he said.
