Oriire Rescue: Presidency Confirms Medical Evaluation For Freed Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Presidency has said the pupils and teachers rescued after spending more than 50 days in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are currently undergoing medical examinations before being handed over to the state government.

It said the victims would be transferred to Governor Seyi Makinde after doctors complete their assessment and certify their medical condition.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on Saturday while responding to enquiries on whether the rescued victims would be presented to President Tinubu.

Onanuga explained that information available to the Presidency from the Office of the National Security Adviser indicated that the victims would first complete medical evaluation before being released into the custody of the Oyo State Government.

“The children are still undergoing medical examination. They will thereafter be handed over to Oyo Governor Makinde,” he said.

His clarification followed public interest over the next steps after security agencies successfully rescued the pupils and teachers on Friday.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving treatment and undergoing physical and psychological assessment at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

Medical experts are expected to determine their physical and emotional condition after weeks in captivity before they are reunited with their families and placed under the care of the Oyo State Government.

The medical assessment is also expected to guide the rehabilitation and counselling that many of the victims may require after their prolonged ordeal.

The Presidency had on Friday announced the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity.

Reacting shortly after the operation, Governor Makinde described the development as a huge relief for the victims’ families and the entire state.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television, the governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims.

Makinde said he was overjoyed by the successful operation and promised to provide a detailed briefing after receiving comprehensive reports from security authorities.

The governor later visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the military medical facility in Ibadan, where they are recuperating.

During the visit, he disclosed that the victims would remain under medical observation before being formally handed over to the state government for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.

He also commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for what he described as their courage, professionalism and sacrifice throughout the rescue operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE ORIIRE SCHOOL ABDUCTION

The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen suspected to be members of the Ansaru terrorist group invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and LA Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State.

During the attack, a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was shot dead, while another teacher later died in captivity after reportedly being beheaded by the kidnappers.

The mass abduction sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State and beyond, triggering weeks of protests by teachers, residents and civil society organisations demanding the immediate rescue of the victims.

The incident also led to a month-long strike by teachers in the state, while the Oyo State Government maintained its position against paying ransom to the kidnappers.

On Friday, security agencies announced the successful rescue of the victims following what officials described as a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation.

The Presidency said no ransom was paid during the operation, while eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and several others neutralised.

The rescue has been widely welcomed by government officials, political leaders and civil society groups, although many have continued to call for intensified efforts to secure the release of other victims still being held by kidnappers in different parts of the country.