Makinde Visits Rescued Oriire Schoolchildren ,Teachers at Military Hospital, Pledges Full Support

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the rescued schoolchildren and teachers from the Oriire abduction at a military hospital in Ibadan, offering words of encouragement to the survivors and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to their full recovery and well-being.

The governor’s visit comes exactly 57 days after gunmen stormed several schools in the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers in one of the most traumatic incidents in the state’s recent history. The attack triggered a six-week strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), widespread protests by parents, and intense pressure on both state and federal security agencies.

According to official figures, 47 pupils and 11 teachers have so far been rescued through a series of coordinated military and police operations. Two infants sadly died in captivity from exhaustion and dehydration. One teacher remains unaccounted for, and search efforts are still ongoing.

Governor Makinde, accompanied by top government officials and security commanders, spent over two hours at the facility, interacting with the children and their parents. He assured them that the state government would provide comprehensive medical care, psychological support, and long-term educational assistance to help the victims recover from the ordeal.

“These children have been through a terrible experience that no child should ever face,” the governor said. “Our first priority is to ensure they receive the best medical and emotional care possible. We will not abandon them. The state will cover all their treatment costs, and we will also provide scholarships and counselling to help them return to school stronger.”

Makinde used the opportunity to thank the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for their relentless efforts in rescuing the majority of the victims without any ransom being paid. He described the operation as a “model of inter-agency collaboration” and pledged continued support for security initiatives aimed at preventing future incidents.

The governor also reiterated his earlier promise to demolish all known kidnapper hideouts in the state. Several structures in the Oriire axis and surrounding forests have already been razed as part of a “zero-tolerance” policy toward locations used for criminal activities.

The visit was marked by emotional reunions. Some of the rescued children, still visibly shaken, clung to their parents as the governor interacted with them. A few of the older pupils were able to speak briefly, expressing gratitude to the security forces and the state government for their rescue.

One parent, who preferred to remain anonymous, told journalists that the governor’s personal visit had brought some comfort to the families. “We are grateful that he came himself. It shows that the government cares. Our children have been traumatised, but we believe with proper care they will recover,” she said.

Medical officials at the military hospital reported that most of the rescued victims were suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and psychological trauma. A special team of paediatricians, psychologists, and trauma counsellors has been assigned to their care. The state government has also engaged private specialists to supplement the efforts of government medical personnel.

The Oriire abduction exposed serious gaps in school security, particularly in remote and boundary communities. In response, the Oyo State Government has begun implementing a “Safe School Initiative” that includes the installation of perimeter fencing, CCTV cameras, and communication gadgets in vulnerable schools. The governor said additional funds have been approved to fast-track this programme.

Security agencies have also increased patrols in forest reserves and mining sites, which have increasingly been used as hideouts by criminal elements. The military has warned that any structure found to be used for kidnapping or other criminal activities will be demolished immediately.

The successful rescue of most of the Oriire victims has been welcomed across the state, but the incident has left a lasting scar on Oyo’s education sector. Many parents remain anxious about sending their children back to school, even after the NUT suspended its strike and academic activities resumed on July 2.

Education stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of school safety policies nationwide. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has demanded that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency on school safety and provide adequate funding for the protection of learning environments.

As Governor Makinde continues to engage directly with the victims and their families, the focus remains on ensuring their complete physical and emotional recovery. The state government has pledged to provide long-term support, including counselling, scholarships, and monitoring of the children’s academic progress.

For the people of Oyo State, the visit represents more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a visible demonstration of leadership and compassion at a time when public trust in government’s ability to protect citizens has been severely tested.

The search for the remaining missing teacher continues, with security agencies assuring the public that no effort will be spared until all victims are accounted for.