Post by Ibadan Watch (@Ibadanwatch)
Military Hands Over 44 Rescued Oriire Abductees to Makinde After 56-Day Ordeal.
The Nigerian military formally handed over 44 abducted pupils and staff from Oriire, Oyo State, to Governor Seyi Makinde, ending their 56-day captivity. The handover occurred at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, with officials, military leaders, security chiefs, and victims present.
Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, GOC 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, said troops launched an intensive rescue immediately after the abduction was reported on May 15, 2026. The victims were held deep inside Old Oyo National Park, where the dense forest hampered surveillance and rescue efforts.
According to the GOC, drones and aerial surveillance had limited effectiveness because of the thick vegetation, forcing troops to rely on a prolonged ground operation. Despite losing an officer and a soldier during fierce encounters with the kidnappers, the military maintained its policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists.
Rather than pursuing the kidnappers aimlessly, security agencies adopted a coordinated strategy involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, National Counter Terrorism Unit, Defence Headquarters Special Forces, Nigerian Air Force, Navy, DSS, Police and Civil Defence. The operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers' logistics network and tracking collaborators across several states.
Nnebeife revealed that cutting off the terrorists' major supply base in Ashamu, Oyo State, eventually forced the abductors to release the victims unconditionally. He, however, expressed concern over intelligence suggesting that some local vigilantes and hunters collaborated with criminal elements, stressing the need to strengthen community security.
Receiving the rescued victims, Governor Seyi Makinde thanked President Bola Tinubu, the military and other security agencies for their efforts. He also appreciated the prayers and support of Nigerians throughout the ordeal.
The governor announced that the victims would undergo comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation under a team led by former UCH Chief Medical Director, Professor Temitope Alonge, before reuniting with their families. He assured the rescued teachers and students that the state government would work with their school to ensure their education and careers are not disrupted.
Speaking on behalf of the survivors, the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, recounted the traumatic experience in captivity. She disclosed that the kidnappers executed two teachers in an attempt to pressure the government into meeting their demands and repeatedly told the captives they had been abandoned.
"We thought the world had forgotten us," she said, expressing gratitude to the President, Governor Makinde and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
The rescued victims were later transferred to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, for further medical care and monitoring.
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