Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families on Monday following the completion of a 48-hour medical observation by the Nigerian Army.
The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, have been undergoing medical evaluation and psychosocial care at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the victims on Saturday, said they were placed under observation to ascertain their medical and psychological condition before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government.
“Our plan is to observe them for 48 hours. By Monday, we expect an assessment to be completed before the military formally hands them over to the state for the next phase of rehabilitation and reintegration,” the governor said.
Makinde disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to facilitate emotional reunions between the rescued victims and their loved ones, revealing that several of the children had repeatedly asked to see their parents after regaining freedom.
He recounted the touching story of a little girl who had continued asking for her mother, saying the government had already begun making logistical arrangements to bring family members to the military facility.
The expected reunion has sparked celebrations across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, where relatives of the victims gathered in churches on Sunday to offer thanksgiving prayers.
Among them was Prof. Wole Alamu, husband of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, who was seen dancing joyfully during a thanksgiving service after news of his wife’s rescue.
Parents of the rescued pupils also expressed relief and excitement, saying they had endured weeks of fear, uncertainty and sleepless nights while praying for the safe return of their children.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, in one of the worst school abductions recorded in Oyo State.
Their rescue after 56 days in captivity followed what security agencies described as a carefully coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.
Meanwhile, uncertainty still surrounded the exact timing of Monday’s formal handover, with officials noting that the final decision rests with the military.
Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, expressed optimism that the transfer would proceed as planned.
“We are hopeful the military will formally hand them over to the state on Monday. That is the information available to us, but the military remains in charge of the process,” he said.
As the rescued victims prepare to return home, traditional rulers in Oriire Local Government renewed calls for stronger security architecture to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
The Elerepamo of Pamo, Oba Ayobami Ogunmakinde, and the Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, urged the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police to upgrade the Police Post in Pamo to a full-fledged Divisional Police Headquarters.
The monarchs lamented that the local government, with about 740 villages, is currently served by only one police division, leaving many rural communities vulnerable to attacks by kidnappers and other criminal elements.
They also called for increased deployment of security personnel and enhanced collaboration between conventional security agencies and local security outfits to strengthen surveillance across the area.
In a related development, the Oyo State Government expressed readiness to partner with the Federal Government to secure and restore the Old Oyo National Park, which officials believe has become vulnerable to criminal activities.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the state remained committed to investing in security infrastructure and protecting critical national assets, adding that restoring safety around the park would also unlock its tourism and economic potential.
The successful rescue has continued to attract commendations from across the country, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), lawmakers and other stakeholders praising the coordinated efforts of security agencies.
They, however, urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by intensifying operations against criminal gangs and ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are arrested and prosecuted.
The abduction claimed the lives of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, who was reportedly shot while trying to escape, and teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was later beheaded by his captors.
For many families, Monday’s expected reunion represents the end of a painful chapter and the beginning of a long journey of healing, rehabilitation and recovery.
