By DAVID ADEOYE

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged his government’s commitment to the recovery and rehabilitation of the rescued pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area (LGA).

Makinde said this on Saturday when he led some members of his cabinet on a sympathy visit to the victims, who are being treated at the military clinic, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 44 pupils and teachers, who were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire LGA, were successfully rescued on Friday.

The 44 abductees were freed after 56 days in captivity through a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, NSCDC and others.

The governor, who was led into the hospital wards by the GOC, Div. 2, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said he was relieved by their safe return.

He added, “Hopefully, by Monday, the victims will be reunited with their families.”

NAN reports that the traditional ruler of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and Sen. Fatai Buhari (APC – Oyo North), had also separately visited the victims on their hospital beds. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (left); and teachers and pupils abducted in Ahoro, Esiele, Yawota Community in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, when Governor Makinde paid a visit to them at 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospital, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan after their release. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit