Nigerian Army Hands Over Rescued Oriire Pupils, Teachers to Oyo Government After 48-Hour Evaluation

The Nigerian Army on Monday officially handed over the pupils and teachers rescued from the Oriire school abduction in Oyo State to the state government after completing a 48-hour medical observation and psychological evaluation.

The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, had remained under the care of the Headquarters, 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they received medical treatment, psychological assessment and psychosocial support before being released to the Oyo State Government.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the observation period was necessary to assess the victims' physical and mental health before their reintegration into their families and communities. He disclosed that security forces weakened the terrorists by disrupting their logistics network, a move he said contributed significantly to the successful rescue operation.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, described their 56-day captivity as traumatic, saying the terrorists repeatedly claimed the government had abandoned them. She revealed that two captives were killed in an attempt to pressure the government into meeting the abductors' demands, but expressed gratitude to the military, security agencies, Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians for their efforts and prayers.