Tears of Joy as Oyo Pupils, Teachers Reunite With Families After 56 Days in Kidnappers’ Den

• There were tears of joy, prayers and heartfelt embraces at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso as dozens of pupils and teachers rescued after 56 days in captivity were reunited with their families following medical clearance.

An atmosphere of joy and emotion filled the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, on Tuesday as dozens of pupils and teachers rescued from kidnappers reunited with their families after spending 56 days in captivity.

Parents, relatives and well-wishers gathered at the hospital from the early hours of the day, anxiously waiting for medical clearance that would allow the rescued victims to return home.

The emotional moment came when the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, began announcing the names of victims certified medically fit for discharge.

As each name was called, parents rushed forward with tears of joy, embracing their children after nearly two months of separation. Some mothers knelt in thanksgiving, while others rolled on the ground in gratitude before lifting their children into their arms.

Many of the parents expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, religious leaders and Nigerians for their prayers and efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

One of the rescued teachers, Mary Dahunsi, who left the hospital carrying her baby alongside her husband, thanked God for preserving their lives throughout the ordeal.

“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 traumatic experience, several parents said they had no plans to abandon their communities, insisting they had nowhere else to relocate.

One grateful mother said all four of her children, along with her son’s wife, returned home safely after the kidnapping.

Prof. Olakulehin disclosed that 31 of the 39 rescued pupils had been discharged, while eight remained under medical observation and treatment.

He also revealed that doctors discovered a congenital heart defect in one of the rescued children during routine medical examinations, a condition the parents were previously unaware of.

According to him, the child is stable and receiving appropriate medical care, while the Oyo State Government will be notified to facilitate further treatment.

The hospital received a total of 44 rescued pupils and teachers from the Oyo State Government on Monday for comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations before reuniting them with their families.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to establish two military bases and deploy specialised security units to Oriire Local Government Area to strengthen security and prevent future attacks.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping 39 pupils and six teachers.

They regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity before undergoing medical and psychological assessments ahead of their reunion with their families.