Military hands over rescued Oriire pupils, teachers to Oyo government

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Nigerian Army has officially handed over the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity after their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to the state government following the completion of medical observation and psychological evaluation.

The victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, were transferred to the Oyo State Government after undergoing a 48-hour period of medical assessment, psychological evaluation and psychosocial support at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

The handover marks the conclusion of the military’s immediate post-rescue care and the beginning of the victims’ reintegration into their families and communities under the supervision of the Oyo State Government.

Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers remained in the custody of the Nigerian Army, where they received comprehensive medical treatment, emotional support and trauma management to aid their physical and psychological recovery.

According to the military, the observation period was necessary to assess the overall health and emotional well-being of the victims before formally transferring responsibility for their continued care and rehabilitation to the state government.

The Army said the process was designed to ensure the rescued victims were medically stable and psychologically prepared for reunification with their families after nearly two months in the custody of their abductors.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government is expected to coordinate the next phase of the victims’ rehabilitation, including additional medical care, counselling and other support services to facilitate their full recovery and reintegration into society.

Details later…