By Barth Ikiebe
The Nigerian Army has handed over the rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to the state government after completing medical observation and evaluation.
The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, were handed over following a 48-hour period of medical assessment, psychological evaluation and psychosocial support at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.
The handover marks the end of the military’s immediate care for the rescued victims and signals the beginning of their reintegration with their families and communities under the supervision of the Oyo State Government.
The pupils and teachers had remained under the care of the military after their rescue, where they received medical attention, psychological evaluation and emotional support to aid their recovery from the ordeal.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, the principal of the affected school, Mrs Alamu, expressed appreciation to the government, security agencies and Nigerians for their efforts in securing their release.
She disclosed that the victims endured difficult moments during their 56 days in captivity, adding that their abductors repeatedly told them that the government and members of the public had lost interest in their situation.
According to her, there were times when the victims feared they would not survive, especially after witnessing the loss of some individuals during their captivity.
She alleged that some victims were killed by the abductors in an attempt to mount pressure on the government to meet their demands.
Mrs Alamu, however, expressed gratitude that security agencies and the government remained committed to rescuing them despite the challenges.
She thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, military officers, security personnel and Nigerians who supported efforts towards their release.
The principal added that although the experience had left emotional scars on the victims, they remained hopeful of recovering fully and returning to normal life.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said the period of medical observation was important in assessing the physical and psychological condition of the rescued victims.
He explained that the military ensured the victims received proper care before handing them over to the Oyo State Government for further rehabilitation and reintegration.
General Nnebeife disclosed that security forces disrupted the logistics network of the abductors before completing the rescue operation.
He said cutting off the criminals’ support system was crucial in weakening their operations and creating an opportunity for the safe recovery of the pupils and teachers.
The GOC commended the efforts of troops and other security agencies involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a result of coordinated efforts.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde assured the victims and their families that their education would not be affected by the incident.
The governor said the state government would provide the necessary support to enable the pupils return to school and continue their academic journey.
Makinde also assured the victims that their welfare remained a priority, adding that the government would work with relevant authorities to provide continued rehabilitation and support.
The governor commended the Nigerian Army, security agencies and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
