Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday declared that the state government has taken over the welfare and responsibility of the released Oriire teachers and pupils until all the victims are fully stabilised.Makinde gave the assurance when the military formally handed over the victims to the Oyo State Government at the Government House, Secretariat, Ibadan, after 56 days in captivity.The governor stated that the government would not allow anything to truncate the education and careers of the recently rescued teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area.Makinde added that his administration would work directly with the affected school to provide immediate medical, psychological and logistical support to the victims and their families.He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and to the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for coordinating the rescue operation.He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I want to sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the support given to ensure the success of this operation. I also appreciate the leadership of all the security agencies in Nigeria.“Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Makinde gave the assurance when the military formally handed over the victims to the Oyo State Government at the Government House, Secretariat, Ibadan, after 56 days in captivity.The governor stated that the government would not allow anything to truncate the education and careers of the recently rescued teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area.Makinde added that his administration would work directly with the affected school to provide immediate medical, psychological and logistical support to the victims and their families.He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and to the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for coordinating the rescue operation.He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I want to sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the support given to ensure the success of this operation. I also appreciate the leadership of all the security agencies in Nigeria.“Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. The governor stated that the government would not allow anything to truncate the education and careers of the recently rescued teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area.Makinde added that his administration would work directly with the affected school to provide immediate medical, psychological and logistical support to the victims and their families.He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and to the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for coordinating the rescue operation.He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I want to sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the support given to ensure the success of this operation. I also appreciate the leadership of all the security agencies in Nigeria.“Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Makinde added that his administration would work directly with the affected school to provide immediate medical, psychological and logistical support to the victims and their families.He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and to the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for coordinating the rescue operation.He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I want to sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the support given to ensure the success of this operation. I also appreciate the leadership of all the security agencies in Nigeria.“Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and to the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for coordinating the rescue operation.He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I want to sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the support given to ensure the success of this operation. I also appreciate the leadership of all the security agencies in Nigeria.“Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I want to sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the support given to ensure the success of this operation. I also appreciate the leadership of all the security agencies in Nigeria.“Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “Quite frankly, I am still overwhelmed because incidents like this have happened in different parts of the country, but when it happened in Oyo State, the response was different. All the security agencies worked together with one goal—to secure the safe return of the teachers and the pupils.“I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “I can only thank Almighty God for His grace over our state. I have been governor for over seven years, and this is the first time I have witnessed an incident like this. It has never happened before, and I sincerely pray it will be the last time we experience anything like this.“To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “To the teachers and the pupils, I know it will be a long road to recovery. What you went through during those 56 days cannot simply be erased. However, I want to assure you that although the Baptist school involved is not a government-owned school, we will engage with its management to determine the best way forward.“Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “Let me assure both the teachers and the pupils from that school that the Oyo State Government will do everything possible to ensure there is no disruption to your careers as teachers and no interruption to the education of the affected pupils. We will continue to support you throughout this recovery period.“The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “The Chief Medical Director has briefed me on the progress being made by his team. They still need to carry out a few more assessments, and I believe another 24 to 48 hours of medical observation will be sufficient before you are discharged.“Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “Parents will be allowed access to their children, but we want to ensure that everyone is medically fit before they are reunited with their families. We do not want any complications after everything you have been through. We want to be certain that you are healthy and that adequate support is available to help you through this difficult transition back home.“So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “So, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, we now officially take responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils. We will provide every necessary assistance and support to help you recover fully.”Related NewsBuhari’s legacy of integrity, service will inspire Nigeria — TinubuUN, FG seek innovative financing to fast-track SDGs before 2030VIDEO: Nigerians deserve full transparency, Makinde seeks UN probe into Oyo abductionEarlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said directives from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other stakeholders strengthened the resolve of troops to secure the victims’ release.“The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “The security forces pursued the abductors from day one, but the captors had moved deep into the forest,” he said, adding that “the operation, which resulted in the loss of personnel, later paid off after 56 days.”Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Speaking with journalists after the handover, one of the rescued teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, narrated how they moved through forests at night, slept in fear and watched the youngest children endure the worst beatings.She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. She revealed that the kidnappers killed the mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, to scare off security agencies and send a clear message to the government that they meant business.“The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. “The reason the kidnappers killed one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was to scare away the security agencies and to send a clear message to the government that they meant business,” she said.Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Recounting how the victims navigated the forest after they were abducted, Alamu described the experience as harrowing.She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. She said, “When we were taken, my car was used to convey us to a point. That was where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. We then had to walk for about one hour. They brought bicycles and motorcycles—about 10 of them—and we were all crammed together. We rode for about four hours through uncharted paths, but they knew their way.”She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. She also expressed apprehension about returning to work in a rural area after the traumatic experience.She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. She said, “Going to the rural area will take the grace of God. I have worked for 28 years and I have four years left. With time, maybe I can get over it. But going that far, the distance between that place and Ogbomoso is much, so I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now, coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen for now.”Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Recall that armed bandits on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries. Present at the event were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga; other service commanders; the Director of the Department of State Services; the Garrison Commander; the Commander, 655 Base Services Group; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Comptroller of Customs; the Comptroller of Immigration; the Comptroller of Correctional Service; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps; members of the Special Forces from Abuja; the Secretary to the Oyo State Government; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners; political office holders; and the Chief Medical Director of the 2 Division Medical Services and Hospital, among other dignitaries.