Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says all 39 pupils abducted in Oriire LGA have regained their freedom, alongside five of the seven teachers kidnapped with them, but some security personnel lost their lives during the rescue operation.
Speaking on Saturday after visiting the rescued pupils and teachers, who are receiving medical care following their release from captivity, Makinde said although the victims were relieved to regain their freedom, many were still battling the psychological effects of their ordeal.
On Friday, the Nigerian Army announced that the victims were rescued after a month-long intelligence-led operation involving troops and other security agencies.
The army said multiple arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ network and forced the group to release the victims.
‘WE LOST SOME OFFICERS’
Makinde expressed gratitude to the military and other security agencies for securing the victims’ release.
“I’m very happy the children are back, all of them, 39 of them,” he said.
“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.
“So all the families that have lost loved ones in this whole process, we want to assure them that their loved ones will not have died in vain. So I’m extremely, extremely happy.
“First, I can say that they were happy to be out of captivity, just like any of us.
“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.
“They have to do quite a bit of medical intervention, post-traumatic issues to be addressed. But we have the team ready to do that.”
Makinde said the pupils and teachers would remain under medical observation for another 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo state government.
“With the plan right now, we’ll watch them over the next 48 hours,” he said.
“So by Monday, we think an assessment will be done. And maybe there will be a formal transfer from the military to the state.
“And then we can manage the process from that point forward.”
He said arrangements were being made to enable family members visit the rescued victims.
“But also today, we are putting logistics together to at least bring the family members to come and see them,” he said.
“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.”
‘NIGERIA’S CHALLENGES REQUIRE UNITY’
Makinde urged Nigerians to unite in confronting the country’s security challenges.
“My final message is that it’s our country,” he said.
“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.
“So that’s really what at this moment I want to say to the people.”
The governor added that he would officially brief Oyo residents and Nigerians later in the week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the rescue operation.
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