Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration’s priority, following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, is to reunite the rescued victims with their families and support their rehabilitation.

“Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago,” Mr Makinde said in a Facebook post on Friday. 

He added, “Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience.”

The governor commended the security personnel for the rescue of the pupils and teachers, who had been held captive since May 15.

He also prayed for the personnel who paid the ultimate price with their lives during the rescue operation.

“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families,” Mr Makinde said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Nureni Adeniran, described the rescue of victims as a moment of great relief and thanksgiving for the education community in the state.

Mr Adeniran, in a statement on Friday, congratulated teachers, students, parents, school administrators, and education stakeholders, noting that the victims’ release was a reward for collective faith, resilience, and unwavering hope.

The SUBEB boss called on the public to continue to pray for lasting peace and security in the country.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that schools are safe for teaching and learning.

Earlier, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, announced that “all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies.”