Rescued Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers Set to Reunite With Families Today

Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families today (Monday) following their anticipated handover by the military to the Oyo State Government after completing 48 hours of medical observation.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity and have since been receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the victims on Saturday, disclosed that they would remain under medical observation before being formally transferred to the state government.

“Our plan is to observe them for 48 hours. By Monday, an assessment will be completed, after which the military is expected to hand them over to the state,” the governor said.

Makinde also revealed that arrangements had been made to allow family members visit the victims, noting that some of the rescued children had repeatedly asked to see their parents.

The anticipated reunion comes two days after the Federal Government announced the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers kidnapped during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the state remained hopeful that the military would complete the handover as scheduled, although operational considerations could still affect the timeline.

The rescue sparked celebrations across Ogbomoso, where families held thanksgiving services on Sunday. A video showing the husband of one of the rescued school principals dancing during a church thanksgiving service also attracted widespread reactions from Nigerians.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers in Oriire have renewed calls for stronger security in the area. They urged the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to upgrade the existing Police Post in Pamo to a full Divisional Police Headquarters, warning that the kidnapping exposed serious security gaps across the local government.

The Oyo State Government also pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to strengthen security around the Old Oyo National Park and other vulnerable communities to prevent future attacks.