By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday officially received the rescued students and teachers who were abducted by gunmen, promising that his administration would do everything humanly possible to ensure their academic journeys and career paths suffer no setbacks.
Speaking while playing host to the rescued victims, the Governor expressed deep gratitude to the presidency and the nation’s security apparatus for their collaborative efforts in securing the safe return of the educational workers and their pupils after a grueling 56 days in captivity.
The Governor, who admitted to being deeply moved by the incident, noted that the state has historically enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere, making the abduction a highly unprecedented and shocking ordeal for the entire region.
He emphasized that the collective prayers and unrelenting voices of concerned citizens globally played a massive role in maintaining the momentum that eventually led to the successful rescue operation.
Reflecting on the psychological and emotional trauma the victims must have endured during nearly two months in the custody of their captors, Makinde maintained that rehabilitation remains a priority that cannot be rushed.
He gave an assurance that the state government, in partnership with medical experts, would closely monitor their transition before they are formally fully integrated back into their respective homes.
Makinde said, “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 give you the assurance, both the teachers and the student 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.”
While explaining the immediate next steps for the returnees, Makinde disclosed that a medical team led by a former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Professor Temitope Alonge had already briefed him on the comprehensive health management plans put in place.
He requested an additional 24 to 48 hours to finalize medical evaluations, explaining that while parents will have immediate access to their loved ones, a brief window of professional observation is vital to ensure they are medically sound and adequately insulated from any post-traumatic health crisis before returning home.
