by Willy Okonji~
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that security personnel died during the operation that secured the release of 39 pupils and five of seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking on Saturday after visiting the freed victims in hospital, Makinde said the rescue came at a painful cost even as he celebrated the return of the children.
“I’m very happy the children are back, all of them, 39 of them,” he said. “Also, five of the seven teachers, so we give glory to God and we say thank you to our troops, the officers and men. We lost some officers and part of our troops as well.”
The Nigerian Army had announced on Friday that the victims were freed following a month-long intelligence-led operation involving troops and other security agencies. Multiple arrests made during the operation disrupted the kidnappers’ network and forced their release, the army said.
Makinde disclosed that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care and psychological support to help them cope with the trauma of their ordeal.
“When your freedom is taken away, it’s a different state of mind. But they are glad to be back. Some of them are still very afraid,” he said. “They have to do quite a bit of medical intervention, post-traumatic issues to be addressed. But we have the team ready to do that.”
According to the governor, the victims will remain under observation for another 48 hours before a formal handover from the military to the state government, likely by Monday. He added that arrangements are underway to reunite the victims with their families.
“But also today, we are putting logistics together to at least bring the family members to come and see them,” Makinde said, recounting the plight of one young survivor. “There’s a small girl in there that basically has been asking, ‘Where’s my mom? Where’s my mom?’ So at least we want the mom to be able to come and then see her.”
The governor paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives in the operation, assuring their families that the sacrifice would be honoured.
“Their loved ones will not have died in vain,” he said.
Makinde also called on Nigerians to unite in the face of insecurity rather than allow the crisis to deepen divisions.
“It’s our country. All countries around the world, they do have challenges. So when we’re challenged, it’s not usually the best time for us to sow seeds of division. It’s the best time for us to come together and confront our challenges,” he said.
He promised to brief Oyo residents and Nigerians later in the week on the full details of the abduction and the rescue operation.
With the release, 44 families have been reunited with their loved ones, while the state government has pledged that the sacrifice of the fallen troops will not be forgotten.
