Rescued Oyo Pupils, Teachers May Reunite With Families Today After Military Handover

Pupils and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families today (Monday), subject to their formal handover by the Nigerian military to the Oyo State Government.

The victims have remained under medical observation and psychosocial care at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, since regaining their freedom on Friday.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the victims on Saturday, said they would undergo a 48-hour medical assessment before being formally transferred to the state government.

"Our plan right now is to watch them over the next 48 hours. So by Monday, we think an assessment will be done, and maybe there'll be a formal transfer from the military to the state, and then we can manage the process from that point forward," Makinde said.

The governor disclosed that arrangements had been made to enable family members to visit the rescued victims, noting that some of the children had repeatedly asked to see their parents.

In Ogbomoso, anxious relatives spent Sunday in churches and mosques offering prayers and thanksgiving while awaiting the anticipated handover. Prof. Wole Alamu, husband of the principal of Ahoro-Esinle School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, was among those who arrived in Ibadan in anticipation of seeing his wife.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area. Their rescue was announced by the Federal Government on Friday after 56 days in captivity.

Although the Oyo State Government expressed optimism that the handover would take place on Monday, officials noted that the final decision rests with the military, which is overseeing the medical evaluation and transfer process.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to strengthen security around the Old Oyo National Park following the abduction. Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the state was prepared to support efforts aimed at improving security and protecting the area from criminal activities.