Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the immediate priority of his administration is to reunite the teachers and pupils rescued from kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area with their families and provide them with the rehabilitation needed to recover from their traumatic experience.
The governor disclosed this on Friday in a post on his X account following the successful rescue of the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity after being abducted while travelling to a competition in Oyo State.
Makinde said the state government would ensure that the rescued teachers and pupils receive adequate medical attention, psychosocial support and other forms of rehabilitation to help them recover from the physical and emotional impact of the ordeal.
“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” the governor said.
He also commended the military, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the operation, praising their professionalism, resilience and sacrifices in securing the release of the victims.
Makinde paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission.
“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 that the abducted teachers and pupils were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation carried out in the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding areas.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were killed. He stressed that the Federal Government did not negotiate with the abductors or grant their demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.
According to Onanuga, the suspected kingpin requested by the kidnappers remains in custody and is being prosecuted for alleged criminal offences.
“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. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he said.
The rescue operation also attracted commendation from President Bola Tinubu, who praised the security agencies for their courage and coordination in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
In a video released by the Presidency after the operation, one of the rescued victims expressed appreciation to the President and the security agencies.
“We are grateful, Mr President. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see it in your heart. Thank you very much,” the victim said.
