By Editor
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday received pupils and teachers who spent 56 days in captivity, assuring them of full state government support to help them recover and return to normal life.
The governor met the victims in Ibadan and thanked the Presidency and Nigeria’s security agencies for the collaborative efforts that led to their successful rescue.
Makinde described the abduction as a tragic and unprecedented incident in the state’s recent history, noting that Oyo had largely remained peaceful over the years despite security challenges in other parts of the country.
He also acknowledged the prayers and solidarity from Nigerians and supporters across the world during the period the victims were held, saying the outpouring of concern gave strength to the rescue efforts.
The governor said the state government is committed to providing psychological, emotional and medical care for the survivors before they are fully reintegrated with their families and communities.
Addressing the teachers and pupils directly, Makinde admitted that recovery from the trauma would take time, but promised that there would be no disruption to their careers or education.
“We will sit down with the Baptist school management. The state government will do everything possible to ensure there’s no disruption to your careers and to the education of those students,” he said.
He disclosed that a team of medical professionals led by former Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, had developed a comprehensive care plan for the survivors. The victims will remain under observation for another 24 to 48 hours for final health assessments.
Makinde explained that while parents would be allowed immediate access to their children, the short period of medical monitoring is necessary to ensure the returnees are physically and psychologically stable enough to resume normal life.
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