Tears, Joy As Rescued Oyo Pupils Reunite With Families

There were emotional scenes at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, on Tuesday as schoolchildren and teachers rescued from kidnappers reunited with their families after spending 56 days in captivity.

 

Parents, who had waited anxiously for medical clearance, broke into tears, prayers and songs of thanksgiving as the names of discharged victims were announced.

 

Many expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, clerics and Nigerians for their support throughout the ordeal.

 

One of the rescued teachers, Mary Dahunsi, thanked God for preserving their lives and prayed that no family would experience such an incident again.

 

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Olawale Olakulehin, said 31 of the 39 rescued pupils had been discharged, while eight remained under medical observation.

 

He also disclosed that one of the children was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect during routine medical examinations, adding that the Oyo State Government would be notified to facilitate further treatment.

 

Meanwhile, the Federal Government says it plans to establish two military bases and deploy specialised security units to Oriire Local Government Area to strengthen security and prevent future attacks.

 

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.