The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to provide proper rehabilitation for the schoolchildren and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, noting their recovery should receive immediate attention alongside security efforts.
He urged governments after the victims regained their freedom following their abduction by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Olubadan’s appeal matters because the victims endured almost two months in captivity and may need medical, psychological, and social support before returning to normal life.
While the successful operation ended weeks of uncertainty for the victims and their families, rehabilitation will help them recover from the physical and emotional effects of their ordeal and support their return to school and daily life.
Rescue should be followed by victim support
Oba Ladoja praised the rescue of the victims and commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies for securing their freedom.
He called the operation an important achievement in the fight against insecurity and said it showed that the government was giving serious attention to protecting lives.
He, however, warned that the rescue should not mark the end of government action. He urged authorities to ensure that the rescued children and teachers receive proper care after spending 56 days in the hands of their captors.
“As a follow-up to this development, the government must ensure that all the communities that share borders with the National Park are fully secured. Also, the government must ensure proper rehabilitation of the victims,” Olubadan said.
His call for rehabilitation shows concern that people rescued from long periods of captivity often face emotional stress, health problems, and difficulties returning to their normal routines.
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Recall that the victims were abducted on 15 May, 2026, after terrorists attacked three schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area. Thirty-nine schoolchildren and seven teachers were reportedly taken away during the attacks.
Security operations, according to reports, later traced the victims to the Old Oyo National Park, where they were held before their rescue was announced on Friday. The victims’ long stay in captivity could pose serious threat to their health.
Security and recovery must go together
Olubadan also urged both the federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
He said stronger protection would stop criminal groups from using the forest as a hideout for kidnappings and other violent crimes.
He noted that securing vulnerable communities would help prevent another incident like the school abduction and improve public confidence in safety around the area.
He said, “The release of the victims is a landmark achievement of the present administration in the country. The issue of security in the country is being taken seriously by the administration.”
The Old Oyo National Park has been linked to criminal activities because of its large forest areas, which provide cover for armed groups. The discovery that the abducted children and teachers were held there has renewed attention on security around the park and nearby communities.
The mass abduction created fear among residents of Oyo State and attracted national attention because it targeted schoolchildren and teachers during school activities.
The successful rescue has now directed public attention to helping the victims rebuild their lives and preventing another attack.
Olubadan maintained that lasting success would depend not only on rescuing victims but also on protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring that survivors receive the care they need after such traumatic experiences. He urged governments to treat rehabilitation and stronger security as equal priorities in protecting lives and restoring confidence in affected communities.
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