By Seyi Gesinde
July 11, 2026
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the pupils and teachers rescued from terrorists after 56 days in captivity, assuring them that they would receive comprehensive medical and psychological care before reuniting with their families.
The governor visited the victims at the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, where they are undergoing treatment following Friday’s military rescue operation.
Makinde spent time moving from one bed to another, speaking with the rescued victims and receiving briefings from military medical personnel on their condition.
Journalists and several government officials were denied access into the hospital because of heightened security, with the governor emerging as the only civilian official permitted into the facility.
Speaking after the visit, Makinde said the priority of his administration was to ensure that every rescued victim recovered physically, mentally and emotionally before returning home.
“They are in very high spirits. I have spoken with them. The good thing is that they have all bonded together, and they are encouraging one another,” the governor said.
He stressed that the victims would not be rushed back to their families until medical experts certified them fit.
“They will receive adequate medical attention, psychological evaluation and counselling. Only after the doctors are satisfied that they are fit will they be reunited with their families,” Makinde said.
The governor noted that although the victims had regained their freedom, surviving nearly two months in terrorist captivity was an experience that required careful post rescue rehabilitation.
According to him, restoring their emotional wellbeing is as important as treating any physical ailments they may have developed during the ordeal.
Makinde also disclosed that he would brief the people of Oyo State next week on the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the painstaking rescue efforts and the next steps being taken by the government.
“I will address the people of Oyo State next week and give a comprehensive account of everything that happened and where we go from here,” he said.
The governor had earlier described the successful rescue as “a big relief” for Oyo State.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” he said shortly after the victims regained their freedom.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when terrorists ambushed vehicles conveying pupils, teachers and other passengers through Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During the attack, a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed, while dozens of pupils, teachers and other travellers were forced into the forest, where they remained in captivity for 56 days.
Their release followed an intelligence driven operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists and the arrest of suspected collaborators.
The rescued victims are expected to remain under military medical supervision until specialists complete comprehensive health assessments and trauma counselling before they are finally reunited with their families.
