Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that pupils and teachers rescued from kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area will be reunited with their families within the next 48 hours.
The victims are currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support at the Military Hospital in Ibadan after spending more than 50 days in captivity before their rescue.
Speaking with journalists after visiting the survivors on Saturday, Makinde said the state government is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure they return home as soon as doctors certify them fit.
According to the governor, the rescued pupils and teachers are expected to return to the custody of the Oyo State Government within 48 hours.
Makinde revealed that arrangements are also being made to allow family members visit their loved ones before they are formally reunited.
He noted that one of the rescued children had repeatedly asked for her mother, adding that efforts were being made to bring the child’s family to the hospital to see her.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They remained in captivity for more than seven weeks before security agencies secured their release.
The Federal Government announced the successful rescue on Friday. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several other members of the criminal group were neutralised.
He also stated that the Federal Government did not negotiate with the kidnappers or meet any of their demands, including a request for the release of a suspected terrorist leader currently facing prosecution.
According to Onanuga, security agencies will provide a detailed account of the operation in due course.
Following their rescue, some of the victims expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security personnel involved in the operation.
In a video released after the rescue, one of the survivors thanked the President for his commitment to their safety and praised the efforts of the security agencies that secured their freedom.
President Tinubu also commended the military, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for carrying out the successful rescue operation and ensuring the victims were brought back safely.
