The Presidency has confirmed that the schoolchildren and teachers recently rescued from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, are currently receiving medical attention before they are reunited with the state government.
Speaking on Saturday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the victims are undergoing medical examinations following their rescue. He explained that once the health assessments are completed, they will be officially handed over to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to him, information from the Office of the National Security Adviser indicates that the rescued children and their teachers will not be taken to President Bola Tinubu before their release to the Oyo State Government.
“The children are still undergoing medical examination. They will thereafter be handed over to Oyo Governor Makinde,” Onanuga said.
President Tinubu had earlier welcomed the successful rescue operation, expressing relief that the abducted pupils and their teachers had regained their freedom after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
The President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and other intelligence agencies for carrying out the operation. He noted that security personnel worked tirelessly throughout the rescue mission, leading to the safe release of the victims without casualties. He also acknowledged that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while others involved in the crime were neutralised during the operation.
Tinubu also expressed sympathy for the emotional pain and uncertainty experienced by the children, their teachers, their families, and Nigerians throughout the period of the abduction.
He commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies during the rescue efforts. At the same time, he encouraged the state to strengthen security measures around schools to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State after a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation. The mission led to the neutralisation of some of the terrorists responsible for the attack, while eight suspects were arrested.
“This successful operation has brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty and has brought relief to the affected families and the nation as a whole. On behalf of Nigerians, I sincerely appreciate the officers and personnel of our armed forces, intelligence agencies and the police for ensuring the children and their teachers were rescued safely.
“My administration will ensure justice is served for these children, their teachers, and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was brutally killed by the terrorists.
“I also commend the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful conclusion,” the President stated.
