Nigeria: Bishop Badejo’s relief after the rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo
Paul Samasumo – Vatican City
Nigerian media said that the rescued 39 schoolchildren and five teachers were abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They were held in captivity for 56 days.
“I thank God Almighty who made this possible. Huge congratulations and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Oyo State, (Oyo State Governor) Engineer Seyi Makinde, to all the security organisations and operatives, to the media and to everybody who prayed, pressured and fasted for this joyful purpose,” Bishop Badejo said in a statement.
Some soldiers died
The Nigerian military said that several soldiers died in the rescue operation. Bishop Badejo expressed sadness and offered condolences to the families of those who died in the operation.
“Our sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the whole saga. May this ugly episode serve as a wake-up call to all of us, the government and citizens, to collaborate more and do our utmost to secure our lives and property together. May such ugly episodes be brought to an end in our country, Nigeria,” said the prelate of Oyo.
As at Sunday, 12 July, parents and relatives of the rescued schoolchildren in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State told Nigeria’s Punch newspaper of their joy and relief at the development. They said they were eagerly awaiting the chance to reunite with their children.
Medical and psychological support
Nigerian authorities have been conducting medical evaluations, treatment and psychological support for the rescued victims.
A Punch newspaper item named the terrorist group affiliated with Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, as responsible for the mass abduction of the teachers and students.
“I pray that all will be done to give adequate rehabilitation to the abductees who have gone through harrowing experiences,” said Bishop Badejo.
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