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 that 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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