The 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families today (Monday) after completing 48 hours of medical checks and psychological support.
The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, have been receiving treatment at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited them on Saturday, said the military would formally hand them over to the state government after the medical assessment, allowing the state to begin the next stage of rehabilitation and reintegration.
Makinde said arrangements were already underway for families to visit their loved ones, revealing that some of the children had repeatedly asked to see their parents after regaining freedom.
The rescue followed the May 15 attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers.
In Ogbomoso, relatives of the victims held thanksgiving services on Sunday as they expressed gratitude and anticipation ahead of the reunion.
Prof Wole Alamu, whose wife, Mrs Rachael Alamu, is the principal of Ahoro Esinle School, was among those celebrating the development. He was seen dancing during a thanksgiving service held in the town.
The successful rescue has also renewed calls for stronger security measures across Oriire Local Government Area.
Traditional rulers in the area said the incident exposed security gaps in the council and appealed to the Federal Government and security authorities to upgrade existing security formations.
The Elerepamo of Pamo, Oba Ayobami Ogunmakinde, said Oriire, which has about 740 villages, requires stronger security presence to prevent future attacks.
He called for the upgrade of the Pamo Police Post into a full divisional headquarters, noting that the current facility lacks adequate equipment and personnel.
The monarch also revealed that fear from the abduction had affected school attendance in some communities, as many parents remained reluctant to send their children back without improved security.
Similarly, the Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Meanwhile, several groups have continued to commend the rescue operation while urging the government not to relent in efforts to free other Nigerians still held by terrorists and kidnappers.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the operation, describing it as a major achievement in the fight against insecurity.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yoruba Council of Elders and other organisations also welcomed the rescue, but stressed that attention must also be given to other victims still in captivity across the country.
The rescue operation, carried out through collaboration between the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and other security groups, has been described by authorities as intelligence-driven.
The victims’ return brings an end to a painful 56-day ordeal that began when armed men invaded schools in Oriire, leaving families and communities in anxiety while security agencies worked to secure their release.
