Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, 10 July, 2026 announced that his administration’s immediate focus now is to reunite the teachers and pupils rescued from kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area with their families and provide them with rehabilitation following their 56-day captivity, reports thegazellenews.com
Makinde, who announced on in a post shared on his official X account on Friday, 10 July, 2026, also expressed relief over the safe rescue of the victims after spending nearly two months in the hands of their abductors.
According to him, the state government would ensure the victims receive the care and support needed to recover from the physical and psychological effects of their ordeal.
“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” he said, just he also also applauded the security agencies that participated in the operation, commending their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices in securing the release of the victims.
“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices.
“May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families, ” Makinde said.
The governor’s remarks came after the Presidency, through its Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the abducted teachers and pupils were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation
Onanuga, who disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while several others were killed during the mission, also disclosed that the operation was executed without yielding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga said.
Following their rescue, the teachers and pupils expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
In a video released by the Presidency, one of the rescued victims said:
“We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see it in your heart. Thank you very much,” the victim said.
