Makinde Visits Rescued Oriire Abduction Victims, Promises Medical and Psychological Support
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has visited the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity following the mass abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring them that the state government will provide comprehensive medical treatment, psychological support and rehabilitation before they are reunited with their families. The governor’s visit came just hours after security agencies confirmed the successful rescue of the victims following more than 50 days in captivity.
Makinde met the rescued victims at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services Hospital in Ibadan, where they are currently undergoing medical examinations and receiving specialist care. During the visit, the governor interacted with the children, teachers and medical personnel, expressing gratitude for their safe return and acknowledging the traumatic experience they had endured.
Speaking after the visit, the governor disclosed that all 39 abducted pupils and five of the seven kidnapped teachers had been rescued by security operatives. He praised the Nigerian Army, the police, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for their coordinated efforts, describing the rescue as a significant achievement after weeks of intensive operations.
Makinde emphasized that the immediate priority of his administration is the health and emotional recovery of the rescued victims. He explained that they would remain under medical observation for at least 48 hours to ensure they receive appropriate treatment before being reunited with their families. According to the governor, the children and teachers will also undergo psychological evaluation and counseling to help them recover from the trauma of their ordeal.
The governor assured parents and guardians that the state government would continue to support the victims even after they leave the hospital. He said rehabilitation programs would be introduced to help the children return to normal life and resume their education without unnecessary delays. Teachers affected by the kidnapping will also receive the necessary care and assistance to enable them to recover physically and emotionally.
Makinde also used the opportunity to commend the sacrifices made by security personnel during the rescue operation. He paid tribute to officers who lost their lives while carrying out the mission, offering prayers for their families and recognizing their commitment to protecting citizens. The governor described their service as a reminder of the dedication displayed daily by Nigeria’s security forces.
The Oriire abduction occurred in May when armed men attacked schools in the local government area and kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers. The incident generated nationwide concern and prompted widespread calls for urgent action to secure the victims’ release. Parents, community leaders and civil society organizations repeatedly appealed to both the state and federal governments to intensify rescue efforts.
In response to the crisis, the Oyo State Government worked closely with federal security agencies to coordinate rescue operations. Makinde previously stated that the safe return of the abducted children remained his administration’s highest security priority, while additional security measures, including curfews in parts of the state, were introduced to support ongoing operations.
The successful rescue has brought relief to families who spent weeks hoping for the safe return of their loved ones. Emotional scenes were reported as parents received confirmation that many of the victims had been found alive. However, authorities have indicated that efforts are continuing to account for every abducted individual and to ensure those responsible face justice.
Makinde said the state government remains committed to improving security across Oyo State to prevent similar incidents in the future. He noted that protecting schools and ensuring children can learn in a safe environment will remain a top priority. The governor also pledged continued collaboration with federal security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
The rescue operation has been widely praised by public officials and community leaders, who described it as a testament to effective cooperation among security agencies. Many have also urged the government to sustain efforts against kidnapping and other forms of violent crime affecting communities across Nigeria.
As the rescued pupils and teachers continue their recovery under medical supervision, attention is shifting toward helping them rebuild their lives after weeks in captivity. For many families, the governor’s visit represented reassurance that the victims will receive not only immediate medical treatment but also long-term psychological and educational support.
The successful rescue and Makinde’s personal visit have offered renewed hope to residents of Oyo State. While challenges remain in addressing insecurity, the safe return of the victims marks an important milestone for the affected families and underscores the importance of coordinated security operations in protecting vulnerable communities.
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