Just In: Makinde Assures Rescued Oriire Pupils, Teachers of Full Government Support as Military Hands Over Victims
The Oyo State Government has formally taken custody of the pupils and teachers rescued from their abductors in Oriire Local Government Area, with Governor Seyi Makinde assuring the victims that his administration will take full responsibility for their welfare, education and recovery as they reunite with their families.
The victims were officially handed over to the state government by the Nigerian military on Monday after completing a 48-hour period of medical observation, treatment and psychological evaluation at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.
Addressing the rescued pupils and teachers during the handover ceremony, Governor Makinde assured them that the state government would stand firmly by them and ensure that the traumatic experience they endured would not derail their future.
“As a government, we will support every one of you. We will do everything necessary to protect the education of the pupils and the careers of the teachers so that this unfortunate incident will not define your future,” the governor said.
Makinde also directed that the rescued victims be reunited with their respective family members, describing the reunion as an important step in their emotional healing and recovery after spending 56 days in captivity.
The governor further pledged that the state government would continue to provide the necessary care and support for both the teachers and pupils even after they return to their homes.
“We will take responsibility for the teachers and the pupils going forward, even as they reunite with their families. Our commitment is to ensure they recover fully and return to normal life with the support they deserve,” he assured.
Makinde reiterated that beyond the immediate reunion with their families, the government would sustain medical, psychological and educational interventions to help the victims overcome the trauma of their ordeal.
The formal handover by the military marks another major milestone in the recovery process of the rescued victims and brings renewed hope to families and residents of Ogbomoso and other affected communities, who have anxiously awaited the safe return of their loved ones.