Rescued Oyo Pupils and Teachers Arrive at Governor’s Office for Handover
Rescued pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State have arrived at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan for a formal handover after spending 56 days in captivity. The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, triggering one of the state’s most significant school kidnapping incidents. After weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, the victims regained their freedom on July 10, ending 56 days in captivity.
Emotional Arrival at the Secretariat
A video circulating online captured the emotional arrival of the victims, who were escorted to the Governor’s Office in a heavily guarded convoy after completing a 48-hour medical and psychological evaluation at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan. The victims were brought to the secretariat by senior military officers led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife. Upon arrival, they were escorted into the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, where Governor Seyi Makinde, senior government officials and security chiefs were waiting to receive them.
Formal Handover and Next Steps
The handover formally transferred responsibility for the rescued pupils and teachers from the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Army, to the Oyo State Government, paving the way for their rehabilitation and reunion with their families. Before Monday’s handover, the rescued victims remained under military care for two days to receive medical treatment and psychological assessment. Governor Makinde had earlier explained that the delay was necessary to allow doctors to evaluate their physical and mental condition after their prolonged ordeal. “They have to do quite a bit of medical intervention. Post-traumatic issues have to be addressed,” the governor said.
Rescue Operation Cost a Life
The rescue operation came at a heavy cost. Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-year-old Army officer, was killed while leading troops during the mission. He has since been laid to rest with full military honours. With the formal handover completed, the Oyo State Government is expected to continue the victims’ rehabilitation, psychosocial support and eventual reunification with their families.
