Parents, relations, and residents of the Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are eagerly awaiting a reunion with the kidnapped victims, who were released on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.

It will be recalled that a combined team of security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, facilitated their release on Friday.

It was reported that some members of the deadly kidnapping gang were neutralised, while eight others were arrested during the operation. The suspects have since been handed over to the Department of State Services.

The victims were released unharmed and were subsequently transported to Ibadan in an unmarked white Coaster bus.

Residents, according to reliable sources, lined the road at the popular Taki Junction in Ogbomoso to catch a glimpse of the newly released victims.

The victims were later taken to a Nigerian Army medical facility in Ibadan for medical examinations.

Among the early visitors to the hospital were Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Fatai Buhari, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye.

Speaking on a popular Ibadan-based radio programme, Buhari said the victims’ release was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various security agencies.

He said the security agencies acted on intelligence reports to block the kidnappers’ escape routes.

According to him, “The feat was made possible through the joint efforts of the security agencies, including local hunters.

“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu, the Garrison Commander of the 2 Division, who personally led the rescue operation, Governor Makinde, the security agencies, and the entire people of the country.”

Meanwhile, our correspondent gathered that Oba Olaoye has remained with the victims since Friday night to monitor their medical progress.

A source said, “Kabiyesi left Ogbomoso yesterday to monitor the ongoing medical checks on the released victims.

“As you can observe, nothing is going on in Ogbomoso for now. We are awaiting the return of our sons and daughters.

“They will be brought back home after they have been handed over to the state government.

“Some of the victims have spoken with their relatives on the phone. The school principal has also reached out to her husband.”

Meanwhile, military authorities have restricted access to the medical facility in Ibadan where the victims are receiving treatment.

The victims, according to reliable sources, are expected to be reunited with their families on Monday.

In a related development, military operatives are yet to be demobilised from Oriire Local Government Area despite the release of the victims.

Our correspondent gathered that surveillance operations will continue until the entire area, including the National Park, is considered safe for residents and visitors.

Some residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We don’t want the security operatives to leave yet.

“We want a permanent military base as well as a police station in either Yawota or Ahoro Esinele community.” (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news