Makinde Prioritizes Rehabilitation, Family Reunion of Rescued Oyo Pupils, Teachers After 56 Days in Captivity

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the immediate priority of his administration following the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area is to ensure their reunion with their families and provide the necessary rehabilitation needed for their recovery after their traumatic experience.

The governor made this known after security agencies successfully rescued the victims, who had spent 56 days in captivity following their abduction by armed criminals in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Makinde expressed gratitude over the safe return of the children and teachers, describing their release as a major relief to their families, the education community, and residents of Oyo State who had followed the incident with concern.

The governor said the government would now focus on supporting the victims through the recovery process, ensuring they receive the required physical, emotional, and psychological care after the difficult period they endured while in captivity.

“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” Makinde said.

The rescue operation brought an end to weeks of anxiety after the pupils and teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, in an attack that attracted national attention and raised fresh concerns over the safety of schools in the South-West.

The Presidency confirmed that the victims were rescued through a coordinated security operation, with reports stating that 39 schoolchildren and six teachers were among those freed after nearly two months in captivity.

The operation also led to the arrest of suspected members of the kidnapping gang, while security authorities reported that some of the criminals were neutralised during the mission.

Makinde commended the security agencies involved in the rescue operation, praising their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices in ensuring that the victims returned safely.

The governor also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, praying for the repose of their souls and offering condolences to their families.

The successful rescue has been described by political stakeholders as a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle insecurity and protect vulnerable communities across Oyo State.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, also described the development as a moment of relief and thanksgiving for the education sector, congratulating the rescued pupils, teachers, parents, and school administrators.

Adeniran said the safe return of the victims represented a reward for the collective prayers, resilience, and hope of families and education stakeholders who remained committed to seeing the victims return home safely.

The abduction had generated widespread concern across the country, with Nigerians demanding urgent action from authorities to secure the release of the victims and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

With the victims now back in freedom, attention has shifted towards their reintegration, psychological recovery, and strengthening of security measures around schools to prevent a repeat of the incident.

The Oyo State Government has assured residents that the safety of schools, pupils, teachers, and communities remains a priority as efforts continue to improve security across the state.

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