PHOTO NEWS: Soun of Ogbomoso visits rescued schoolchildren, teachers at Ibadan hospital
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, on Saturday led other traditional rulers from Oriire Local Government Area to visit the schoolchildren and teachers rescued from kidnappers after 56 days in captivity.
The monarch visited the victims at the Ojoo Military Cantonment Hospital in Ibadan, where they are receiving medical treatment following their rescue.
Oba Olaoye was accompanied by the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide; and Senator Fatai Buhari.
Speaking after the visit, the monarch expressed gratitude to God and commended the military and other security agencies for securing the victims’ freedom.
He described the survivors’ accounts of their captivity as heartbreaking, noting that the male teachers were chained and blindfolded throughout their ordeal, while one of the teachers was killed.
“Today, however, we choose gratitude over grief. Their safe return is a powerful reminder that God still answers prayers. We give Him all the glory for preserving their lives and bringing them back to their families and loved ones,” he said.
The Soun also thanked the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He prayed for the safe return of other Nigerians still in captivity and called for lasting peace and security across Ogbomosoland and the country.
