Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that all 39 pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area have been rescued alongside five of their seven teachers, while revealing that some security personnel paid the ultimate price during the operation.
Makinde disclosed this on Saturday after visiting the rescued victims, who are currently receiving medical treatment following their release from captivity, saying the successful rescue came at the cost of the lives of some military personnel involved in the operation.
The governor’s remarks followed Friday’s announcement by the Nigerian Army that the victims were freed after an intensive month-long intelligence-driven operation involving troops and other security agencies, which led to multiple arrests and disrupted the kidnappers’ network.
Expressing gratitude to the military and other security operatives, Makinde described the rescue as a moment of relief despite the painful losses suffered during the mission.
“I’m very happy the children are back, all of them, 39 of them. Also, five of the seven teachers, so we give glory to God and we say thank you to our troops, the officers and men. We lost some officers and part of our troops as well,” he said.
He extended condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“So all the families that have lost loved ones in this whole process, we want to assure them that their loved ones will not have died in vain. So I’m extremely, extremely happy.”
The governor noted that while the rescued pupils and teachers were grateful to have regained their freedom, many were still battling fear and emotional trauma after weeks in captivity.
“First, I can say that they were happy to be out of captivity, just like any of us.
“When your freedom is taken away, it’s a different state of mind. But they are glad to be back. Some of them are still very afraid.
“They have to do quite a bit of medical intervention, post-traumatic issues to be addressed. But we have the team ready to do that.”
Makinde said the victims would remain under medical observation for another 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government.
“With the plan right now, we’ll watch them over the next 48 hours.
“So by Monday, we think an assessment will be done. And maybe there will be a formal transfer from the military to the state.
“And then we can manage the process from that point forward.”
He added that arrangements were already underway to reunite the rescued victims with their families, revealing that one of the children had repeatedly asked to see her mother.
“But also today, we are putting logistics together to at least bring the family members to come and see them.
“There’s a small girl in there that basically has been asking, ‘Where’s my mom? Where’s my mom?’
“So at least we want the mom to be able to come and then see her.”
The governor also called on Nigerians to set aside political differences and unite in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“My final message is that it’s our country.
“All countries around the world, they do have challenges.
“So when we’re challenged, it’s not usually the best time for us to sow seeds of division.
“It’s the best time for us to come together and confront our challenges.
“So that’s really what at this moment I want to say to the people.”
Makinde disclosed that he would provide a comprehensive briefing later in the week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the security operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
