The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has discharged 31 of the 39 pupils rescued from their abductors in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after certifying them medically fit to reunite with their families.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, disclosed on Tuesday that the remaining eight children are still receiving medical care and would remain under observation until they make full recoveries.

Olakulehin said comprehensive medical evaluations conducted on the rescued pupils also led to the discovery of a congenital heart defect in one of the children.

According to him, the child’s parents were unaware of the condition before the hospital carried out the post-rescue medical examination.

“The child was found to have a hole in the heart during our comprehensive assessment. There is no cause for alarm because the child is stable and responding well to treatment,” he said.

The CMD added that the hospital had commenced the necessary medical interventions and would formally notify the Oyo State Government to facilitate the next phase of specialised treatment required by the child.

He described the discharge of the 31 pupils as a major milestone in the rehabilitation and recovery of the rescued victims, noting that the remaining children would continue to receive appropriate medical attention until they are certified fit for discharge.

Olakulehin reiterated the hospital’s commitment to the welfare of the rescued pupils, assuring parents and the public that a multidisciplinary team of medical experts would continue to monitor both their physical and psychological well-being as part of their post-trauma rehabilitation.

He added that the hospital remained focused on ensuring that every rescued child receives comprehensive care to aid full recovery and successful reintegration into normal life.