…while medical checks are carried out at the Ibadan Military Hospital, Soun
Parents, family members and residents of the Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyó State They eagerly await a reunion with the kidnapped victims, who were released on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.
It will be recalled that a combined team of security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, Police and the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, facilitated his release on Friday.
Some members of the deadly kidnapping gang were reportedly neutralized, while eight others were arrested during the operation. The suspects have since been turned over to the Department of State Services.
The victims were released unharmed and later transported to Ibadan in an unmarked white Coaster bus.
Residents, according to reliable sources, were lining the road at the popular Taki junction in Ogbomoso to see the newly freed victims.
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The victims were later transferred to a Nigerian Army medical center in Ibadan for medical examinations.
Among the first visitors to the hospital were Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Fatai Buhari and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye.
Speaking on a popular Ibadan-based radio programme, Buhari said the release of the victims was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various security agencies.
He said security agencies acted based on intelligence reports to block the kidnappers’ escape routes.
In his words, “The feat was possible thanks to the joint efforts of security agencies, including local hunters.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu, the Garrison Commander of the 2nd Division who personally led the rescue operation, Governor Makinde, the security agencies and all the people of the country.”
Meanwhile, our correspondent gathered that Oba Olaoye has remained with the victims since Friday night to monitor their medical progress.
A source said: “Kabiyesi left Ogbomoso yesterday to supervise the ongoing medical checks of the released victims.
“As you can see, nothing is happening in Ogbomoso at the moment. We are waiting for the return of our sons and daughters.
“They will be returned home after they have been handed over to the state government.
“Some of the victims have spoken by phone with their families. The school principal has also contacted her husband.”
Meanwhile, military authorities have restricted access to the Ibadan medical center where victims are receiving treatment.
According to reliable sources, the victims are expected to be reunited with their families on Monday.
In a related development, military operatives are yet to be demobilized from Oriire Local Government Area despite the release of the victims.
Our correspondent gathered that surveillance operations will continue until the entire area, including the National Park, is deemed safe for residents and visitors.
Some residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We don’t want the security agents to leave yet.
“We want a permanent military base and a police station in the Yawota o Ahoro Esinele community.”
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