Parents of the schoolchildren and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed joy and relief, saying they cannot wait to reunite with their loved ones.
The victims, abducted on May 15 by suspected terrorists linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), regained their freedom on Friday following a coordinated security operation.
Governor Seyi Makinde said the rescued victims would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
Speaking during a visit to the victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, on Saturday, Makinde said the children and teachers were receiving medical attention after enduring nearly two months in captivity.
“The rescued victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which an assessment will be conducted before their formal transfer from military authorities to the Oyo State Government for further management and rehabilitation,” the governor said.
He disclosed that some of the victims appeared physically weak and would require medical care and psychosocial support to recover from the trauma of their ordeal.
Makinde also revealed that arrangements were underway to allow parents visit the barracks to reunite with their children, particularly noting the case of a young girl who had repeatedly asked to see her mother since regaining freedom.
Describing the rescue as a moment of gratitude for the state, the governor acknowledged that security personnel paid the ultimate price during the operation.
“The rescue operation came with sacrifices. Some security operatives lost their lives during the operation,” he said, while extending condolences to the bereaved families.
He assured residents that he would brief the state and Nigerians next week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the successful rescue mission.
In separate interviews, parents of the rescued children recounted weeks of anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress before news of their release.
Mary Olorunlowu, whose 10-year-old daughter, Lydia, was among the abducted pupils, said the family had endured sleepless nights.
“I can’t wait to embrace my daughter again. We have been praying every day for her safe return,” she said.
Another parent, Grace Adeyemi, said she broke into celebration immediately she received the news.
“I have only one child there. When I heard they had been rescued, I was singing, dancing and rolling on the floor. After 56 days, I finally regained my strength,” she said.
Similarly, Adijatu Ibrahim described the rescue as a miracle.
“We danced like David danced when we heard they had regained freedom. It has been weeks of pain and uncertainty for all of us,” she said.
The parents commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups for securing the victims’ freedom.
A community leader in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, also confirmed that preparations had begun to facilitate the reunion between the rescued children and their families.
Meanwhile, an eight-year-old pupil of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Faith Jacob, narrated how she narrowly escaped from the abductors on the day of the attack.
The Nursery Three pupil said the gunmen stormed the school, firing sporadically as pupils fled in panic.
“I was among those they took away. As they were marching us towards the bush, my classmate Grace and I summoned courage and ran away. They didn’t chase us, and that was how we escaped,” she recounted.
The proprietor of the school, Pastor Sunday Oyekola, also narrated how he escaped through the back entrance when the attackers invaded the school.
“They entered the school shooting. We escaped through the back door. When I heard the children had been rescued, I couldn’t sleep throughout the night because of joy,” he said.
Oyekola urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to establish a military base in the area to strengthen security and prevent future attacks.
The abduction of the pupils and teachers had sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, especially in rural communities.
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