By Ola Taiwo
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has visited the rescued pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of the state at where they are being given medical attention.
This is just as the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, in whose domain the abduction happened has also visited the people.
The two leaders met with the freed abductees on Saturday at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Facility, where they were admitted for medical treatment in Ibadan.
The abductees include 39 pupils and five of the seven teachers who were freed after spending several weeks in the hands of their abductors.
Makinde, during his visit, expressed gratitude over the safe return of the people and praised the security agencies whose coordinated efforts led to the successful rescue.
“I am very happy that the children are back, all 39 of them, alongside five of the seven teachers. We give glory to God, and we appreciate our troops, the officers and men who played a significant role in securing their release,” he stated.
The governor assured the victims that the state government would continue to provide the necessary medical attention and psychological care to help them recover from the ordeal.
He paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation, saying they paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.
The governor who condoled the bereaved families said that the courage and commitment of the fallen security men would always be remembered.
Oba Olaoye was accompanied in his visit by the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, and Senator Fatai Buhari.
The traditional ruler who disclosed the visit through his social media page, said the delegation was received by the General Officer Commanding and other senior military officers before meeting the victims, whose accounts of their ordeal left them deeply moved.
He described the testimonies of the rescued victims as heartbreaking, saying they endured unimaginable hardship.
“Listening to their testimonies was deeply emotional. Their account of life in the bush revealed the unimaginable hardship they endured,” he stated.
The monarch disclosed that the male teachers were kept in chains and blindfolded throughout their captivity, while one of the teachers was brutally killed by the abductors.
“No human being deserves such cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of evil,” he said
Oba Olaoye who said the successful rescue of the victims was a testament to God’s mercy praised God for preserving their lives.
“Today, however, we choose gratitude over grief. Their safe return is a powerful reminder that God still answers prayers. We give Him all the glory for preserving their lives and bringing them back to their families and loved ones,” he stated.
The monarch commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and everyone involved in the rescue operation for their commitment and sacrifice.
“I express my profound appreciation to the federal and state governments, the Nigerian Armed Forces, all security agencies, and every individual whose unwavering commitment and sacrifice contributed to this successful outcome. Your courage and dedication continue to inspire hope,” he stated.
