Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Monday formally received the teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring them that the state government would provide all the support needed for their full recovery and reintegration.

The victims, escorted in a convoy of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, arrived at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, at exactly 4:11 p.m. before they were ushered into the Executive Council Chamber, where they were officially handed over to the state government.

Addressing the rescued victims, Governor Makinde assured them that his administration would ensure that their education and careers were not disrupted by the traumatic experience.

He disclosed that although the victims had regained their freedom, they would remain under medical observation for another 24 to 48 hours at the Headquarters, 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, to enable doctors carry out comprehensive medical assessments before they are reunited with their families.

Makinde expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts, which culminated in the successful rescue of the abductees.

He described the operation as a testament to what could be achieved through collaboration among security agencies and the support of the Federal Government.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the rescue operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ network by cutting off their logistics, neutralising their informants and blocking major supply routes.

According to him, the sustained military pressure eventually compelled the abductors to release the victims unconditionally.

The GOC lauded President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and all participating security agencies for their unwavering support, noting that the successful operation was made possible through coordinated intelligence gathering, sustained military action and effective inter-agency collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, the Principal of the affected school, Mrs Rachel Alamu, recounted their 56-day ordeal in captivity, describing the experience as traumatic and physically demanding.

She said the victims endured harsh conditions in the forest but remained hopeful that they would return home alive.

Alamu disclosed that the kidnappers repeatedly attempted to break their resolve through fear and psychological intimidation, insisting that government had abandoned efforts to secure their freedom.

The formal handover of the rescued teachers and pupils to the Oyo State Government marked the end of weeks of anxiety for the victims, their families and residents of the state, following one of the most disturbing school abduction incidents in recent times.