Oyo Government Delegation Allegedly Denied Access to Rescued Oriire Schoolchildren at Military Hospital

A delegation from the Oyo State Government was reportedly denied access to the rescued Oriire Local Government schoolchildren and teachers receiving treatment at the 2 Division Medical Centre in Ibadan on Saturday, following their rescue from captivity.

The delegation, which included the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi; Special Adviser on Security Coordination, Major General Tokunbo Omoniyi (retd); Professor Temitope Alonge; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, had visited the military hospital to see the victims.

According to sources, soldiers on duty allegedly prevented the state government officials from entering the facility, reportedly citing instructions from higher authorities. There has been no official statement from the Nigerian military explaining the reported restriction.

The development comes after reports that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had made arrangements on Friday night to receive the rescued pupils and teachers at his private residence. Sources claimed that journalists and Bishop Wale Oke of Christ Life Church had been invited for the reception.

However, the planned reception reportedly did not take place, as the rescued victims were instead taken directly to the military medical facility for treatment rather than being presented to the governor before the commencement of their rehabilitation process.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently undergoing medical evaluation and treatment at the 2 Division Medical Centre.