Emotional Reunion as Rescued Oyo Schoolchildren Return Home After 56 Days in Captivity

Relief, tears and heartfelt embraces filled the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso on Tuesday as schoolchildren and teachers rescued from kidnappers in Oyo State finally reunited with their families after spending 56 days in captivity.

Parents who had waited anxiously since dawn erupted in celebration as medical officials cleared the victims for discharge. The hospital grounds echoed with prayers, songs of thanksgiving and emotional scenes as mothers, fathers and relatives welcomed their loved ones home after weeks of uncertainty.

The emotional moment unfolded when the Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, announced the names of the rescued victims who had been certified medically fit. As each name was called, relatives rushed forward in tears, embracing the children and teachers they had not seen since the mass abduction in Oriire Local Government Area.

Several parents broke down in gratitude, with some kneeling in prayer while others lifted their children into their arms. Many thanked President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, religious leaders and Nigerians whose support and prayers sustained them throughout the ordeal.

One of the rescued teachers, Mary Dahunsi, who left the hospital carrying her baby with her husband by her side, expressed gratitude for surviving the traumatic experience.

“We thank God for life. Thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, clerics and Nigerians for praying for us and for not forgetting us in the bush. We pray this does not happen to anyone,” she said.

Despite the painful experience, several parents said they had no plans to abandon their communities. One mother, overwhelmed with emotion, celebrated the safe return of all four of her children, as well as her son’s wife, describing it as nothing short of divine intervention.

Prof. Olakulehin disclosed that 31 of the 39 rescued pupils had been discharged after passing medical evaluations, while eight children remain under observation and treatment to ensure their full recovery. He also revealed that routine medical examinations uncovered a previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect in one of the rescued children. The hospital has informed the Oyo State Government to facilitate the child’s specialised treatment.

Hospital sources also confirmed that about 35 of the 44 rescued victims, including teachers and other adults, had been discharged after being certified medically fit. The remaining patients will continue receiving medical care, with doctors closely monitoring both their physical and psychological recovery following nearly two months in captivity.