Rescued Oyo Pupils Reunite With Families After Ordeal

Emotions filled the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso on Tuesday as parents and relatives reunited with pupils and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and LA Primary School in Oriire LGA. They were rescued last Friday by the Nigerian Army and formally handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday. Two teachers were killed during the period of captivity.

Following their rescue, the victims were admitted to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital for comprehensive medical examinations, trauma care and psychological support before being reunited with their families.

Scenes of relief unfolded at the hospital as relatives identified and embraced their loved ones. One of the most emotional moments came when the mother of a young pupil identified as Testimony broke into tears after seeing her daughter.

“Merciful God, I thank You. I never imagined that my daughter, Testimony, would return to me safe. I also thank President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and the security agents. May God Almighty bless you all,” she said.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, confirmed that 31 of the rescued children had been discharged after being certified medically fit, while eight others remain under observation. He also disclosed that doctors detected a congenital heart defect in one child during routine medical examinations and have begun treatment while notifying the Oyo State Government for further care.

The rescue has also sparked political debate. On Tuesday, the Senate asked Governor Makinde to withdraw his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue operation. Lawmakers commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the victims’ release, while urging continued efforts to rescue other abducted Nigerians.

The Federal Government also criticised Makinde’s request for an international probe. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the administration’s focus was on securing the victims’ freedom through intelligence-led operations rather than public statements, reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and terrorism nationwide….See More