Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in the Oriire Local Government Area would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over by the military authorities to the Oyo State Government.
The governor disclosed this on Saturday after visiting the rescued victims at the Headquarters, 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospital, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are receiving treatment following their rescue.
Makinde described the victims’ release as a moment of joy and thanksgiving for the state, expressing gratitude to God and commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their role in securing the victims’ freedom.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, Makinde disclosed that the state government expects a formal handover of the victims from the military after the medical evaluation, after which the government will take over the rehabilitation and reunification process.
“We’ll watch them over the next 48 hours, so by Monday we think an assessment will be done and maybe there’ll be a formal transfer from the military to the state. Then we can manage the process from that point forward,” the governor said.
Makinde also revealed that arrangements were underway to allow family members to visit the victims at the military hospital, noting that one of the rescued pupils had repeatedly asked to see her mother.
“One of the little girls has continued to ask for her mother. We are already making arrangements to bring family members here so they can reunite with their loved ones while the medical assessment continues,” the governor added.
The governor appealed to residents of the state for patience and understanding as medical experts continue to monitor the victims before they are reunited with their families.
He also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians that his administration would provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the rescue operation.
“In the course of the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what exactly has transpired,” Makinde said.
The rescued pupils and teachers regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
