Makinde Visits Rescued Oyo Pupils, Teachers Receiving Treatment in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday visited the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity after their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, as they continue to receive medical attention at the Military Hospital in Ibadan.

The governor’s visit came a day after the Federal Government confirmed the successful rescue of the victims, who had spent more than 50 days in the custody of their abductors.

The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, sparking nationwide concern over the safety of schools in the state.

The Presidency announced their rescue on Friday through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said security agencies had secured the freedom of all the captives.

Governor Makinde met with the rescued victims at the military medical facility, where they are undergoing treatment and receiving care before reuniting with their families.

The visit followed details released by the Nigerian Army on the operation that led to the rescue of the 44 abducted pupils and teachers.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the military said the rescue resulted from a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation that culminated on July 10.

According to the Army, troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, worked with personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.

The military said the month-long operation focused on dismantling the network behind the abduction, leading to the successful rescue of the victims and the arrest of several suspects.

The rescued pupils and teachers are expected to remain under medical observation before they are formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.