There were emotional scenes at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, on Tuesday as schoolchildren and teachers rescued from kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State reunited with their families after spending 56 days in captivity.
Parents, who had gathered at the hospital from early in the day, waited anxiously for medical clearance before taking their loved ones home. The atmosphere was filled with tears, prayers, songs of thanksgiving and joyful reunions.
The emotional moment peaked when the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, announced the names of those certified medically fit for discharge. Parents rushed forward to embrace their children, with many overcome by emotion after nearly two months apart.
Some mothers broke down in tears, while others hugged and carried their children in celebration of their safe return.
Several parents expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, religious leaders and Nigerians for their support and prayers throughout the ordeal.
One of the rescued teachers, Mary Dahunsi, who left the hospital with her husband while carrying her baby, thanked God for preserving their lives.
She also appreciated the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies and Nigerians for remembering them during their time in captivity, expressing hope that no family would experience a similar ordeal.
Despite the traumatic incident, some parents said they had no plans to abandon their communities, insisting they had nowhere else to relocate.
One mother, visibly emotional, thanked God that all four of her children, along with her son’s wife, returned home safely.
Prof. Olakulehin disclosed that 31 of the 39 rescued pupils had been discharged, while eight children remained under medical observation and treatment.
He revealed that routine medical examinations uncovered a congenital heart defect in one of the children, a condition the parents were previously unaware of.
According to him, the child is stable and receiving appropriate care, while the Oyo State Government will be notified to facilitate further treatment.
The hospital received 44 rescued pupils and teachers from the Oyo State Government on Monday for comprehensive medical and psychological assessments.
Hospital officials said about 35 victims, including teachers and other adults, had been discharged after being certified medically fit.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, announced that the Federal Government plans to establish two military bases and deploy specialised security units to Oriire Local Government Area to improve security following the abduction.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
They regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity and were taken to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and psychological assessment before being reunited with their families.
