Video: Makinde Visits Rescued Oyo Teachers, Pupils

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Saturday visited Orrire Local Government teachers and pupils following their rescue from den of kidnappers, assuring that their full recovery; both physically and psychologically remains the government’s immediate priority before they are reunited with their families.

The governor, who met with the victims at the military hospital where they are receiving treatment, said the state government had assembled a team of medical experts and mental health professionals to help them overcome the trauma of their ordeal.

NAIJAONPOINT reports that the visit came barely a day after security operatives successfully rescued the victims, who were abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, ending weeks of anxiety among their families and residents of Oyo State.

NAIJAONPOINT had reported that jubilations erupted across the state on Friday following news of the victims’ rescue after more than 50 days in captivity. The operation, carried out through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies, drew widespread commendation from President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State residents and Nigerians.

Speaking with journalists after interacting with the rescued teachers and pupils, Makinde said although they had regained their freedom, the emotional and psychological scars left by the experience required urgent professional attention.

Earlier today, we visited the victims of the Oriire LGA kidnapping incident where they are receiving treatment in Ibadan. We will continue to provide the necessary support needed for their full recovery and reunite them with their families.

We also remember civilians and… pic.twitter.com/nygnwl1Gfy

— Seyi Makinde (@seyimakinde) July 11, 2026

According to him, the victims would remain under medical supervision while specialists assess their condition and begin the process of rehabilitation.

“They have to undergo quite a bit of medical intervention, and there are post-traumatic issues that also need to be addressed. We have the team ready,” the governor said.

Makinde explained that the victims would be observed over the next 48 hours before any decision is taken on their discharge or reunion with their loved ones.

“With the plan right now, we will watch them over the next 48 hours. By Monday, we think an assessment will be done. There may then be a formal transfer from the military to the state, and we can manage the process from that point forward,” he stated.

On when the rescued teachers and pupils would be reunited with their loved ones, the governor disclosed that the state government was already making arrangements to allow relatives to visit the victims at the hospital.

He revealed that one of the rescued children had repeatedly asked to see her mother, prompting the government to expedite plans for family visits.

“But even today, we are putting logistics together to at least bring the families to come and see them. There is a little girl in there who has been requesting for her mum. At least we want the mum to be able to come and see her,” Makinde said.

The governor also used the opportunity to call for national unity in the face of growing security challenges, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division.

“Nigeria is our country. All countries around the world do have challenges. When we are challenged, it’s not the best time for us to sow seeds of division. It is the best time for us to come together and confront our challenges. That’s my message for the people of Oyo State and the nation entirely,” he said.