Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed that criminal activities such as kidnapping will not derail the academic pursuits of students or the professional paths of educators. Following their release after 56 days in captivity, the governor promised comprehensive state support for the teachers and pupils from the Oriire Local Government Area.
During a reception on Monday, Makinde confirmed the state would collaborate with the private school’s management to ensure the victims resume their lives without further complications. He emphasized that the state government is fully committed to their recovery and will handle the associated costs.
The governor attributed the successful rescue to the unified efforts of Nigerian security services. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military leadership for their dedicated involvement in the operation. The victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and will be reunited with their families shortly.
Major-General Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated that the military refused to negotiate with the abductors. Instead, the force employed an intelligence-led operation spanning multiple states to dismantle the criminal network and its supply chains. This pressure ultimately forced the kidnappers to surrender their captives without conditions.
Tragically, the mission resulted in the loss of two military personnel, while another soldier was severely wounded. General Nnebeife also highlighted that local collaborators may have assisted the criminals, calling for enhanced community-level intelligence.
School principal Mrs. Racheal Alamu shared the harrowing details of their 56-day ordeal, which included forced nocturnal treks through forests, exposure to harsh weather, and the physical mistreatment of some younger students. Despite these hardships, she expressed profound relief at their eventual liberation.
