An insight into what the rescued pupils and teachers of schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State went through during their 56 days in captivity came to the fore yesterday.

Some of the male teachers were chained and blindfolded throughout the period.

This is in addition to the brutal beheading of one of the teachers in the early days of their abduction.

The Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, made known some of the indignities the abductees were made to pass through after his visit to them at the military hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Recounting what they told him, Oba Olaoye said some of the male teachers were chained and blindfolded throughout their ordeal.

In a message after the visit, Oba Olaoye described the encounter as deeply emotional, saying the victims recounted the unimaginable suffering they endured.

Despite the painful accounts, he said the safe return of the victims was a testimony to God’s mercy and answered prayers.

Those who accompanied Oba Olaoye to see the rescued pupils and teachers were the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide; and Senator Fatai Buhari representing Oyo North.

The visitors were received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Second Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, and other senior military officers before meeting the victims.

Oba Olaoye praised the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifice, while urging Nigerians not to forget that other citizens are still being held by kidnappers across the country. Africans& Diaspora

He prayed that Ogbomosoland would never again witness such tragedy and called for sustained efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.

Residents of the affected communities also continued to celebrate the return of the victims.

The Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, said he deliberately refused to abandon the community during the crisis despite the mass departure of many residents.

According to him, leaving would have completely emptied the town and sent the wrong signal to the people.

The monarch said normal life would gradually return now that the abductees had regained their freedom, but urged the government to retain security personnel in the area, particularly the military base, to reassure residents and prevent future attacks.

He pledged the community’s continued support for security agencies in maintaining peace.

Seriki Fulani of Oriire Local Government, Alhaji Suleiman Aliu, described the rescue as unprecedented in the history of the community, saying he had never witnessed such widespread joy.

At a thanksgiving service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso branch, for one of the rescued victims, worshippers thanked God for preserving the lives and praised the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies and local vigilantes for their efforts in securing their release after 56 days in captivity.

We had given up, says excited abducted school principal’s husband

Prof. Wole Alamu, the husband of the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele said the family had almost given up on their matriarch.

Speaking through a statement by the family, he said: “The safe rescue brought us great relief after a long period of anxiety – 56 days of fearing we might not see our loved ones again.

“Hearing the news on July 10, and knowing they are in good condition is gladdening.

“The situation stretched our faith and resilience, but with everyone’s strong, unalloyed support and concerted efforts, we triumphed over evil. To God be the glory.”

The university lecturer said the family had almost resigned itself to the possibility of never seeing their loved ones alive again until they received the news of the successful rescue on Friday.

Describing the rescue as nothing short of a miracle, Alamu said the 56-day ordeal severely tested the family’s faith and resilience but that the overwhelming support they received from Nigerians kept their hope alive.

According to him, the successful rescue brought immense relief after weeks of uncertainty.

He thanked God as well as Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political divides for their prayers, encouragement, financial assistance and solidarity throughout the period of captivity.

Alamu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, security agencies, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, traditional rulers, religious leaders, lawmakers, the management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), media organisations and numerous individuals for their contributions to securing the victims’ freedom.

He said the operation demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens, while praying for the release of other Nigerians still being held by criminal gangs.

Troops get essential supplies, assurance of continued support

The Oyo State Government reinforced its commitment to securing the troubled axis by supplying food items and other essential materials to military personnel stationed at the newly established military base in Ikoyi-Ile.

The base was created following the abduction of teachers, pupils and other travellers, which heightened security concerns across Oriire and neighbouring communities.

The intervention, approved by Governor Makinde, was intended to improve the welfare of troops who remained in the area after the rescue operation to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

The supplies included rice, beans, garri, semolina, cooking oil, seasonings, beverages, bottled water, bedding and other household items.

Military personnel, who welcomed the gesture, described it as a morale booster and appealed for additional operational support, including potable water, toilets, medical supplies, communication equipment, operational vehicles, motorcycles, fuel and improved accommodation to enhance their effectiveness.

They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the military and the Oyo State Government would consolidate the gains recorded in the successful rescue operation and guarantee lasting peace in the area.

Falana, CAN, others celebrate

Human rights lawyer and Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana (SAN), described the operation as a model for future rescue missions.

While commending the Armed Forces and other security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers, Falana said those who lost their lives during the operation should not die in vain.

He urged the authorities to recover the body of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun from the arrested kidnappers to enable his family give him a befitting burial.

Falana also paid tribute to soldiers, police officers and other security personnel who died during the operation, saying their sacrifice should be honoured while compensation for their families should be expedited.

He argued that the successful rescue of the Oyo victims and the recent liberation of hundreds of abductees in Borno had demonstrated the capacity of Nigeria’s security forces to defeat kidnapping and insurgency when adequately equipped and motivated. Africans& Diaspora

The senior lawyer called on the security agencies to replicate the operation in rescuing other Nigerians still in captivity, including abductees in Borno and Kwara states, while urging the National Assembly to release the report of its investigation into the Safe School Initiative Fund.

CAN, YCE hail Tinubu, security agencies

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also praised President Bola Tinubu, Makinde, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes for what it described as a well-coordinated rescue operation.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said the successful operation restored hope in Nigeria’s security architecture and proved that intelligence-driven collaboration could defeat criminal elements.

However, he cautioned against treating the rescue as an isolated success, noting that many families in Borno, Niger and other states were still waiting for their loved ones to return from captivity.

He urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations nationwide while providing counselling, medical care and psychological support for the rescued pupils and teachers.

According to him, schools must never again become theatres of fear, insisting that every Nigerian child deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment.

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) equally lauded President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and security agencies for securing the victims’ freedom.

The council described the rescue as a welcome development that brought relief to families and residents across the South-West.

It commended the collaboration among the military, police, DSS, local hunters and other security operatives, while calling for sustained intelligence gathering, improved surveillance and the prosecution of those responsible for the abduction to deter future attacks.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) also applauded the rescue, describing it as proof that coordinated intelligence and political will can produce results in the fight against insecurity.

The coalition, however, urged security agencies to deploy the same determination towards rescuing schoolchildren abducted in Borno State and other victims across the country.

Also joining the chorus of commendation were the Western Nigeria Union Conference Adventist Men’s Organisation, the Forum of Former Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Akinola (De-Damak), former Osun lawmaker Olatunbosun Oyintiloye and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The groups and individuals praised the Federal Government, Makinde, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful operation, describing it as evidence that improved coordination among security agencies was yielding positive results.

While celebrating the rescue, they urged governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve school security, provide rehabilitation for the victims and sustain the offensive against kidnappers until insecurity is decisively defeated.

‘Operation demonstrates synergy’

The Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) described the operation as a remarkable demonstration of synergy among the Armed Forces, the police, intelligence agencies, local hunters, vigilantes and patriotic citizens.

The group singled out the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, the Nigerian Air Force Panthers and the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team for commendation, saying their professionalism and operational excellence reflected the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.

While mourning the teacher who lost his life during the incident, PSNAFSA urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence and prayers.

It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen the security sector through improved welfare, logistics, modern equipment and actionable intelligence, expressing optimism that every Nigerian still in captivity would eventually regain freedom.

The organisation urged security agencies not to relent until every hostage is rescued, every criminal network dismantled and every community is safe for residents to live, work and learn in peace. (The Nation)