‘Some Are Weak, One Child Keeps Asking For Her Mother’ — Makinde Speaks After Visiting Rescued Oriire Victims
Governor Seyi Makinde says the rescued Oriire pupils and teachers will receive medical treatment and psychosocial support, revealing that one young girl repeatedly asked to see her mother while some victims remain physically weak after 56 days in captivity.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that some of the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area are physically weak and will require medical attention and psychosocial support, describing their return as a moment of gratitude and relief for the state.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday after visiting the rescued victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are currently receiving medical care following their release.
Makinde disclosed that all 39 pupils and five of the seven abducted teachers had been rescued and reunited with security personnel, expressing gratitude to God and commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
He, however, noted that the successful operation came at a heavy cost, revealing that some security operatives lost their lives during the rescue mission.
The governor extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, assuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would never be forgotten.
Speaking on the condition of the rescued victims, Makinde said they were overjoyed to regain their freedom but noted that many were visibly weak after spending 56 days in captivity.
According to him, the victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which a comprehensive assessment will be conducted before they are formally handed over by the military to the Oyo State Government for rehabilitation and continued care.
In one of the most emotional moments of his visit, the governor disclosed that a young girl among the rescued victims repeatedly asked to see her mother, prompting arrangements for family members to visit their loved ones at the military medical facility.
Makinde said the government would ensure the victims receive the psychosocial care needed to help them recover from the trauma of their prolonged ordeal.
He also called on Nigerians to remain united in confronting the country’s security challenges, stressing that difficult moments should inspire collective action rather than division.
The governor further disclosed that he would brief the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in the coming week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the efforts that culminated in the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers.
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