Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso has discharged 31 of the 39 pupils rescued from captivity following the mass abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Olawale Olakulehin, announced on Tuesday that the children were released to their families after doctors certified them medically fit, marking a significant milestone in their rehabilitation following 56 days in captivity. However, eight children remain under observation and will continue to receive treatment until doctors are satisfied with their recovery.
The hospital admitted all 39 rescued pupils immediately after their release from captivity for comprehensive medical examinations and treatment. During the routine medical evaluations, doctors discovered a congenital heart condition in one of the children—a hole in the heart—which was previously unknown to the child's parents. Professor Olakulehin assured that the child is stable and responding well to care, with no cause for alarm, and that the hospital has commenced necessary medical procedures while formally notifying the Oyo State Government to facilitate the next stage of treatment.
The discharge ceremony on Tuesday was an emotional affair, with the hospital premises coming alive with tears, prayers, songs of thanksgiving, and warm embraces as parents waited anxiously from the early hours of the day for medical clearance to take their children home. As each name was called, parents rushed forward amid tears of joy, with some mothers rolling on the floor in gratitude while others hugged their children tightly after nearly two months of separation. Several parents expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, religious leaders, and Nigerians for their efforts and prayers throughout the victims' ordeal.
One of the rescued teachers, Mary Dahunsi, who carried her baby on her back as she left the hospital with her husband, thanked God for sparing their lives. "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 dismissed suggestions that they would abandon their communities, insisting they had nowhere else to relocate. Hospital sources told The PUNCH that approximately 35 victims, including some teachers and other adults, had been discharged out of the 44 victims received for evaluation, while one pupil was diagnosed with the congenital heart defect.
Professor Olakulehin disclosed that treatment had gone beyond addressing physical ailments, as the hospital was also providing psychological support to help the pupils recover from the trauma of their captivity. He assured parents and members of the public that the welfare of the rescued children remained the hospital's priority, with multidisciplinary medical teams continuing to monitor the physical and mental well-being of the pupils throughout their recovery. The CMD described the discharge of the 31 pupils as a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of the rescued victims, adding that the remaining eight children would continue to receive specialised care until they were certified fit to return home.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils. Governor Seyi Makinde formally received the rescued persons on Monday, expressing gratitude to security operatives and others who helped secure their release. However, the governor's call for an independent international investigation into the abduction has drawn criticism from the Senate and the presidency, with both institutions maintaining that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation. The Oyo State House of Assembly has endorsed Governor Makinde's call for a United Nations-backed investigation, arguing that mass abductions of schoolchildren have become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria and that international cooperation is increasingly necessary in developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, disclosed earlier on Tuesday that the Federal Government plans to establish two military bases and deploy specialised security units to Oriire Local Government Area to strengthen security following the abduction. As the rescued children begin their journey toward recovery, the hospital has assured the public that medical experts will continue to monitor their physical and psychological well-being as part of their post-rescue recovery process.
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