Makinde Confirms Rescue of 39 Oriire Pupils, Five Teachers

…Mourns Fallen Security Personnel

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed the successful rescue of all 39 pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, alongside five of the seven teachers kidnapped with them, while mourning security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.

Speaking on Saturday after visiting the rescued victims in hospital, Makinde expressed gratitude for the successful operation, describing it as a moment of relief for the affected families and the state.

“I’m very happy the children are back, all of them, 39 of them. Also, five of the seven teachers, so we give glory to God and we say thank you to our troops, the officers and men. We lost some officers and part of our troops as well,” the governor said.

The Nigerian Army had earlier announced that the victims regained their freedom following a sustained intelligence-led operation involving troops and other security agencies. According to the military, multiple arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ network and forced the captors to release the victims.

Makinde disclosed that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention and psychological care to help them recover from the trauma of their captivity.

“When your freedom is taken away, it’s a different state of mind. But they are glad to be back. Some of them are still very afraid,” he said.

He added that medical experts are addressing post-traumatic stress issues and that the victims would remain under observation for another 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government, likely on Monday.

The governor also revealed that arrangements were being made to reunite the victims with their families, noting that one young girl had repeatedly asked to see her mother.

“But also today, we are putting logistics together to at least bring the family members to come and see them. There’s a small girl in there that basically has been asking, ‘Where’s my mom? Where’s my mom?’ So at least we want the mom to be able to come and then see her,” he said.

Makinde assured the families of security personnel who died during the rescue mission that their sacrifice would not be in vain.

He further called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity, stressing that national challenges should inspire unity rather than division.

“It’s our country. All countries around the world, they do have challenges. So when we’re challenged, it’s not usually the best time for us to sow seeds of division. It’s the best time for us to come together and confront our challenges,” he stated.

The governor said he would provide Oyo residents and Nigerians with a detailed briefing on the abduction and rescue operation later in the week.