Makinde Visits Rescued Oriire Pupils, Teachers at 2 Division Army Hospital, Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the 2 Division Nigerian Army Hospital, Odogbo, Ibadan, where pupils and teachers recently rescued from kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area are receiving medical care.

The Governor, who expressed satisfaction with their condition, said the children and their teachers are responding well to treatment and are in stable condition.

Governor Makinde disclosed that arrangements were being made to allow family members access to the victims as part of the post-traumatic recovery process to help them overcome the experience.

He commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their professionalism, commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the safe rescue of the victims. 

The Governor also appreciated the people of Oyo State for their support, patience and understanding, and promised to provide further updates on the rescue operation and related engagements in the coming days.

Makinde urged residents to recognize that security challenges are not peculiar to any society. He stressed the need for citizens to rise above political, ethnic and other differences and work together to find lasting solutions whenever challenges arise.

The Governor said: 

“I am very happy that the children and teachers are back. We give glory to God and say thank you to our officers and men.

“It is sad that we lost some soldiers and officers. We want to assure their families that their loved ones will not have died in vain. 

“I can see that the pupils and teachers are happy to be out of captivity. Some of them are still frail and we will have to do medical intervention on post-traumatic issues, but we already have the team in place to handle that.

“Right now, we will monitor them over the next 48 hours and by Monday, an assessment will be done. We believe that at that point, there will be a formal handover by the military to the Oyo State Government so we can manage the process going forward.

“Also, today, we are putting logistics together to bring family members to come and see them here at the hospital. 

“My final message is that this is our country. All countries around the world have challenges. When we are challenged, it is not the best time to sow seeds of division, but to come together and confront our challenges. 

“That is what I want to say to the people at this moment. In the course of the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what transpired.”

Those on the Governor’s entourage included the Oyo State Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, APM, Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu; Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Adviser on Security Coordination, Major General Tokunbo Omoniyi, rtd; Executive Adviser on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya, rtd; Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Adenola; and the Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency, OYSIPA, Mr. Tilewa Folami.