The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has described the testimonies of the recently rescued students and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as heartbreaking, revealing that the victims endured severe hardship during more than 50 days in captivity.
The monarch made the remarks after leading a delegation to the Ojoo Military Cantonment, where they met the rescued victims who are receiving care following their release.
The delegation included the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, and Senator Fatai Buhari. They were received by the General Officer Commanding and other senior military officers.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Oba Olaoye said listening to the victims’ experiences was an emotional moment.
“Listening to their testimonies was deeply emotional. Their account of life in the bush revealed the unimaginable hardship they endured,” he said.
The monarch disclosed that some of the details narrated by the victims were particularly distressing.
“Particularly heartbreaking were the revelation that the male teachers were kept chained and blindfolded throughout their captivity and the gruesome killing of one of the teachers. No human being deserves such cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of evil.”
Despite the painful accounts, the traditional ruler said the safe return of the victims was a cause for thanksgiving.
“Today, however, we choose gratitude over grief. Their safe return is a powerful reminder that God still answers prayers. We give Him all the glory for preserving their lives and bringing them back to their families and loved ones; all the children and teachers are currently being cared for in the hospital.”
He added that what many had feared would end in tragedy had instead become “a testimony of God’s mercy and faithfulness.”
Oba Olaoye also commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and everyone who played a role in securing the victims’ freedom.
“I also express my profound appreciation to the federal and state governments, the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF), all security agencies, and every individual whose unwavering commitment and sacrifice contributed to this successful outcome. Your courage and dedication continue to inspire hope,” he said.
The monarch urged Nigerians not to forget those who remain in the hands of kidnappers, calling for sustained prayers for their release.
“As we celebrate this answered prayer, let us continue to remember those who remain in captivity across our nation and pray earnestly for their safe return. May the Almighty comfort every family that has experienced the pain of insecurity and strengthen all those working tirelessly to restore peace.”
He also prayed that Ogbomosoland would be spared similar tragedies in the future.
“It is my heartfelt prayer that Ogbomosoland will never experience such sorrow. May God continue to preserve our land, protect our people, and establish lasting peace and security throughout our communities.”
…How troops rescued victims –Military
The Nigerian Army has revealed that the rescue of the kidnapped teachers and students of Oriire school in Oyo State was carried out through “intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations.”
The military made the revelation on Friday in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
Recall that the teachers and students were kidnapped on May 15 and marched into the forest.
They were kept in captivity for about 55 days before the rescue.
The spokesman said the operations were led by General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA – the National Counter Terrorism Center, NCTC -, the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, National Intelligence Agency, NIA; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns.
Danjuma said the operations, which lasted more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.
He added that as part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” he stated.
The operations, the spokesman said, were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued.
He stated further that there were, however, some casualties on the part of the security forces.
“Further operations are to be conducted,” he assured.
