Oyo Rescue: Freed Pupils, Teachers Set for Family Reunion as Military Prepares Handover

IBADAN, Nigeria — Oyo Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families on Monday following their anticipated formal handover by the military to the Oyo State Government.

The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, have been undergoing medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde, during a visit to the victims on Saturday, said they would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally transferred to the state government.

“Our plan right now is to watch them over the next 48 hours. So by Monday, we think an assessment will be done, and maybe there’ll be a formal transfer from the military to the state,” Makinde said.

The governor disclosed that arrangements had already begun to reunite the rescued victims with their families, revealing that some of the children had repeatedly asked to see their parents since regaining their freedom.

Families Await Military Handover

Relatives of the rescued pupils and teachers expressed optimism ahead of the anticipated reunion while acknowledging that the final decision on the handover rests with the military.

Among those waiting are Deborah Oyesola, Adesola Akano and Prof. Wole Alamu, whose wife, Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Ahoro Esinle School, was among those rescued. Prof. Alamu reportedly arrived in Ibadan on Sunday night ahead of the expected reunion.

Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the state government remained hopeful that the military would complete the handover as scheduled.

“We are hopeful that the military will formally hand them over to the state tomorrow. That is what we were told. But the military is in charge,” he said.

Although preparations for the transfer have reportedly been concluded, security sources said operational considerations could still affect the timetable.

Thanksgiving Services Mark Safe Return of Victims

Churches across Ogbomoso held thanksgiving services on Sunday as families celebrated the safe return of their loved ones.

A widely shared video showed Prof. Alamu dancing during a thanksgiving service alongside worshippers in celebration of his wife’s rescue after nearly two months in captivity.

Parents of the rescued pupils also expressed joy, saying they eagerly looked forward to embracing their children after weeks of uncertainty.

Oyo Government Eyes Partnership to Secure Old Oyo National Park

The Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to partner with the Federal Government to improve security and restore the Old Oyo National Park following renewed concerns over criminal activities in the area.

Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the state was willing to undertake interventions aimed at protecting the park while enhancing security across the expansive forest.

According to him, the Makinde administration had consistently complemented Federal Government projects and was prepared to extend similar support to the park because of its historical, cultural and economic importance.

Governor Makinde’s spokesperson also disclosed that clearing operations around the forest would continue to deny criminal groups safe havens.

Traditional Rulers Demand Stronger Security in Oriire

Traditional rulers in Oriire Local Government said the abduction exposed serious weaknesses in the area’s security architecture and renewed calls for stronger policing.

The Elerepamo of Pamo, Oba Ayobami Ogunmakinde, and the Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to upgrade the Police Post in Pamo to a full Divisional Police Headquarters.

Oba Ogunmakinde said the council area, which comprises about 740 villages, is currently served by only one divisional police headquarters, leaving many communities vulnerable to attacks.

He also lamented that many parents had refused to allow their children to return to school because of lingering fears over security.

Oba Abioye urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies while calling for more security formations in rural communities.

Leaders Commend Security Agencies for Rescue Operation

Deputy House of Representatives Spokesperson Philip Agbese praised President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims.

He described the operation as a demonstration of effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also welcomed the successful rescue, describing it as a moment of thanksgiving while urging security agencies not to relent until every Nigerian still held captive regains freedom.

CAN commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the military, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes for their roles in the operation.

Similarly, the Yoruba Council of Elders lauded the coordinated rescue effort and called for sustained intelligence gathering, stronger surveillance and the prosecution of those responsible for the abduction.

Former Osun State lawmaker Olatunbosun Oyintiloye described the rescue as evidence that Nigeria possesses the capacity to defeat terrorism and violent crimes, urging governments to provide rehabilitation and psychological support for the rescued victims.

56-Day Ordeal Ends with Successful Rescue

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The attack claimed the life of L.A. Primary School Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity.

Following weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering involving the military, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups, all the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued on Friday.

The successful operation ended a 56-day ordeal that sparked nationwide concern over the growing threat of kidnapping in schools and rural communities across Nigeria.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Floods MMIA Temporary Terminal, Forces Airlines to Relocate Operations

admin

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.