Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed profound gratitude and relief following the safe rescue of the teachers and students who were held captive by bandits for nearly two months. The governor announced that the rescued individuals will remain under close medical observation for two days. During this period, healthcare professionals will evaluate their health before the military officially hands them over to the state government for long-term care and rehabilitation.
The governor shared these updates on Saturday during a visit to the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services at Odogbo Barracks in Ibadan, where the survivors are currently being treated. He confirmed that all thirty-nine students and five of the seven abducted teachers have been successfully brought to safety. He credited the victory to divine intervention and praised the dedication of the Nigerian Army alongside other security agencies involved in the mission.
However, the governor noted that the rescue came at a heavy cost, revealing that several security operatives lost their lives during the operation. He offered his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, promising that their ultimate sacrifice would always be honored and remembered. Commenting on the state of the survivors, Makinde mentioned that while they are overjoyed to be free, many are showing signs of physical exhaustion. He emphasized that they will receive comprehensive medical treatment as well as mental health support to help them heal from the trauma of their prolonged ordeal.
Plans are already underway to bring families to the barracks for reunions, which the governor noted is especially vital for the younger children who have been anxiously asking for their parents. Moving forward, Makinde urged citizens to stand together during national security crises, stating that challenging times should unite communities rather than divide them. He also promised to provide a detailed address to the public in the coming week to outline the events surrounding the initial abduction and the strategy that led to the successful rescue operation.
Source: https://punchng.com/
