By Opeyemi Adelakun
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday welcomed the pupils and teachers recently rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, assuring them that the state government would provide the support needed to help them recover and return to normal life without disrupting their education or careers.
The governor, who received the victims in Ibadan, expressed appreciation to the Presidency and Nigeria’s security agencies for their collaborative efforts, which led to the successful rescue of the abductees.
Makinde described the kidnapping as a tragic experience that was unprecedented in the state’s recent history, noting that Oyo had remained largely peaceful over the years. He also acknowledged the prayers and encouragement received from Nigerians and supporters across the world throughout the period the victims were held.
He said the state government was committed to ensuring the victims received proper psychological, emotional and medical care before they returned fully to their families and communities.
Addressing the rescued teachers and pupils, Makinde admitted that recovering from the traumatic experience would take time but assured them that the government would stand by them.
“To the teachers, the students, I know it’s a long road to recovery. What you’ve passed through in 56 days, we cannot undo in 56 months. But I want to give you an assurance. I know that the Baptist school is not a government school. We will sit down with them.
“We don’t know what they want to do. We sure will sit down with them, but let me assure you that both the teachers and the students from that particular school. The state government will do everything possible to ensure that there’s no disruption to your careers, and there’s no disruption to the education of those students.”
The governor also disclosed that a team of medical professionals headed by former Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Professor Temitope Alonge, had already developed a comprehensive care plan for the survivors.
According to Makinde, the victims would remain under medical observation for another 24 to 48 hours to enable doctors complete necessary health assessments before they are fully reunited with their families.
He explained that although parents would be allowed immediate access to their children and loved ones, the additional period of medical monitoring was necessary to ensure the returnees were physically and psychologically stable enough to resume normal life.
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