By Ado Oyeyemi
Parents of pupils rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed gratitude and relief, saying they are looking forward to reuniting with their children after nearly two months of uncertainty.
The victims, comprising schoolchildren and teachers abducted on May 15 by suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity during a security operation.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that the rescued victims would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over to the state government on Monday for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Several parents, who spoke in Ogbomoso, described the period of captivity as one of fear, anxiety and emotional distress.
They commended the efforts of the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilante groups and other security agencies for securing the release of their children.
Mary Olorunlowu, whose 10 year old daughter, Lydia, was among the abductees, said the family could hardly wait to welcome her home after weeks of anguish.
Another parent, Grace Adeyemi, said she was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving news of the rescue of her four year old child, describing the development as an answer to prayers after enduring 56 difficult days.
Adijatu Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to the security agencies, saying the families had endured sleepless nights since the abduction and were grateful that the children had finally regained their freedom.
Governor Makinde, who visited the rescued pupils and teachers receiving treatment at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services Headquarters, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, said the victims would undergo medical examinations and psychosocial support before being released to their families.
He disclosed that some of the rescued children appeared physically weak due to their prolonged captivity and would require specialised care to aid their recovery.
The governor also revealed that security personnel lost their lives during the rescue operation, describing their sacrifice as invaluable.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the fallen officers would not be forgotten.
Makinde added that arrangements were being made for parents to visit the barracks and reunite with their children, noting that one of the rescued girls had repeatedly asked to see her mother.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in addressing security challenges and promised to brief the public on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the rescue operation in the coming days.
Meanwhile, an eight year old pupil of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Faith Jacob, recounted how she narrowly escaped being taken into the forest during the attack.
The pupil said gunmen stormed the school, firing shots that forced pupils to flee in different directions. According to her, she and another pupil managed to escape while the kidnappers were leading the victims towards a nearby bush, running to safety without being pursued.
The proprietor of the school, Pastor Sunday Oyekola, also narrated his experience during the attack, saying he escaped through the back of the school as the assailants opened fire.
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He welcomed the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers and appealed to both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to establish a military base in the area to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
