Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has visited the 2 Division Nigerian Army Hospital, Odogbo, Ibadan, where pupils and teachers saved in the recent Oyo school rescue are recovering. The Oriire kidnap victims are currently receiving expert medical care at this military facility following their release from captivity.
The Governor expressed great satisfaction with their progress on Saturday. He noted that the children and their teachers are responding well to treatment and remain in a stable condition.
Hospital Visit and Makinde Security Update
During his visit to the Army Hospital, the Governor explained that plans are moving quickly to reunite the survivors with their loved ones. This step is a vital part of the post-traumatic recovery work designed to help them move past the ordeal.
Providing a vital security update, the Governor praised the Nigerian Army and partner security agencies. He commended their high level of skill, focus, and teamwork, which led directly to the safe return of the captured group.
Governor Makinde also thanked the public for their quiet support and patience. He promised to provide further updates from the Army Hospital regarding the operation and wider safety plans over the next few days.
True Unity in Times of Crisis
The Governor urged citizens to understand that safety issues occur worldwide. He spoke about the need for people to look past political, tribal, or other differences when trouble hits, asking everyone to work as one to find real solutions.
Governor Makinde said: “I am very happy that the children and teachers are back. We give glory to God and say thank you to our officers and men.
“It is sad that we lost some soldiers and officers. We want to assure their families that their loved ones would not have died in vain.
“I can see that the pupils and teachers are happy to be out of captivity. They are glad to be back. Some of them are still frail, and we will have to do a bit of medical intervention on post-traumatic issues, but we have the team that would do that already in place.”
The Next Steps for Oriire Kidnap Victims
The state plans to closely monitor the survivors over the weekend at the Army Hospital before making any changes to their care plan. The government will take full charge of their long-term well-being early next week.
The Governor stated, “Right now, we will watch them over the next 48 hours, and by Monday, an assessment will be done. We believe that at that point, there will be a formal handing over by the military to the Oyo State Government so that we can manage the process going forward.
“Also, today, we are putting logistics together to bring the family members to come and see them here at the hospital.
“My final message is that this is our country. All countries around the world do have challenges. When we are challenged, it is not the best time to sow the seed of division but to come together and confront our challenges.
“That is what I want to say to the people at this moment. In the course of the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what transpired.
The Governor travelled with a senior team, including Allied People’s Movement (APM) Deputy Governorship candidate, Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu and Chief Bayo Lawal, Senior Executive Assistant (General Duties).
The team also included Major General Tokunbo Omoniyi (Rtd), Executive Adviser on Security Coordination; CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd), Executive Adviser on Security; Mr Johnson Adenola, Oyo State Commissioner of Police; and Mr Tilewa Folami, Director General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).
