Parents Can't Wait to See Their Children After Rescue

Parents of the schoolchildren rescued in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are relieved. They are looking forward to reuniting with their children soon.

The victims, who include both pupils and teachers, were freed by security forces. They spent 56 days in captivity after being kidnapped by terrorists from Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, on May 15.

Governor Seyi Makinde announced that the schoolchildren and teachers would be officially handed over to the state government on Monday.

Some parents told Sunday PUNCH on Saturday that they appreciated the security agencies for getting the victims released. They admitted that the waiting period had been hard for their families.

In Ogbomoso, mothers of the victims and the owner of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Mary Olorunlowu (35 years), Grace Adeyemi (60 years), Adijatu Ibrahim (35 years), and Pastor Sunday Oyekola expressed their sorrow over the whole situation.

Mary Olorunlowu, one parent, said the rescue gave them hope after so much anxiety. She said, “I have a child among the victims. Her name is Lydia Olorunlowu. She is 10 years old and in Primary 3, and I can’t wait to be reunited with her.”

Grace Adeyemi shared her joy, saying, “I have only one child there named Idowu Taiwo, aged four, and my child is in KG One. I was so happy when I heard the news that they were rescued and released yesterday (Friday). I was singing, dancing and rolling on the floor at the Community Chairman’s house. I was so excited that I regained my strength immediately after 56 days.”

Adijatu Ibrahim described the rescue news as a huge relief. She said, “We were full of joy yesterday when we heard of their freedom. We danced like David danced, and we couldn’t eat again when we heard that they had arrived. I only have a child there, and my child is eight years old and in Primary 2.”

They all thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), hunters, vigilante groups, and others for rescuing their children.

Governor Makinde also said the rescued pupils and teachers would be observed for 48 hours before handing them over to the state government.

He made this announcement on Saturday after visiting the rescued individuals receiving medical care at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

“The rescued victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which an assessment will be conducted before their formal transfer from military authorities to the Oyo State Government for further management and rehabilitation,” he said.

The government called the rescue operation a moment of gratitude for the state. “The rescue operation came with sacrifices,” Makinde added, revealing that “some security operatives lost their lives during the operation.”

The governor extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones, promising that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

Talking about the rescued victims, the governor mentioned that they were happy to be free. “Some of them appear physically weak and will require medical care and psychosocial support to overcome the post-traumatic experiences from their prolonged captivity,” he said.

Makinde mentioned that plans were being made for family members to visit the barracks to see their loved ones. He highlighted a young girl who kept asking for her mother after gaining her freedom.

He encouraged Nigerians to stay united during security challenges. He said, “Difficult periods should serve as moments for collective action rather than division.”

The governor promised to officially inform the people of the state and Nigerians next week about the events surrounding the kidnapping and the efforts that led to the successful rescue of the victims.

A community leader in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area confirmed that plans were being made for parents to reunite with their children.

“The authorities have informed me that maybe the women whose children are among the victims will be brought to Ibadan to reunite with their children,” he said.