By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have welcomed the release of abducted pupils, teachers and principals of Orire School, stressing that securing their freedom is only the first step.

NAN reports that 44 of the pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were rescued on Friday.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen invaded the community, kidnapping 46 pupils, teachers and the principal of a secondary school.

In a statement issued Sunday in Ibadan by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, the bishops called on government to prioritise trauma healing, medical care and community security.

According to the bishops, this will prevent a repeat of the abduction.

Earlier, the bishops had appealed to government to secure the release of all the abducted school children along with their teachers and principals.

They described kidnapping as a crime with “no place in civilized communities” and said it was targeted at innocent children seeking education.

The bishops, however expressed joy at the news of the release.

They rejoiced with families who “kept hope alive” and thanked all those who supported them with prayers.

“This is once again, a testimony that God does not abandon his people,” the bishops said.

While congratulating the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and all security agencies involved, the bishops insisted more still needed to be done by the authorities.

They noted that, having endured inhumane conditions and psychological trauma, the released pupils and their teachers require deliberate support to help them reintegrate into normal daily life.

According to them, their families and communities must be provided with necessary medical assistance and counseling to aid recovery.

The bishops also appealed to journalists to allow the rescued abductees the privacy to enjoy their freedom and refrain from subjecting them to repeated interviews that could further compound their emotional trauma.

Beyond the victims, the bishops called on all citizens to be vigilant and work with community vigilante groups to ensure miscreants no longer terrorized communities.

They stressed that government has the constitutional obligation to protect life and property and “must not be found wanting again”.

They further charged government at all levels, especially federal and state, to find a lasting solution to the now protracted incursion of bandits and kidnappers into the communities.

“Criminal activities must be stopped and opportunities given to people to earn their daily bread in peace and tranquility,” they said. (NAN)