Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has received the teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction from Ahoro Esienle and Yawota schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were formally handed over to the state government by the military during a ceremony at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, marking the transfer of responsibility for their welfare.
Speaking at the event, Makinde praised the Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies for their joint efforts in securing the victims’ release. He described the rescue as an extraordinary achievement and assured the victims of the government’s continued support throughout their recovery.
The governor said the rescued pupils and teachers would continue to receive medical care and psychosocial support under the supervision of former UCH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Temitope Alonge, and would only be reunited with their families after doctors certify them fit.
Makinde described the abduction as the first of its kind since he assumed office more than seven years ago and expressed hope that such an incident would never happen again in the state.
Speaking for the first time since their rescue, the school principal described the victims’ 56-day ordeal as “torturous and horrendous,” alleging that both teachers and pupils suffered severe physical abuse while in captivity.
