Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are expected to reunite with their families on Monday following their anticipated formal handover by the Nigerian military to the Oyo State Government after completing 48 hours of medical observation and trauma assessment.

For dozens of families in Oyo State, weeks of anxiety and uncertainty may finally give way to emotional reunions as pupils and teachers rescued from captivity prepare to return home.

The victims, who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, have remained under the care of military medical personnel since Friday, receiving treatment and psychological support before being released to state authorities.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed that the rescued victims would remain under medical observation for 48 hours at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, before being formally handed over to the state government.

According to the governor, the observation period was necessary to assess the children’s physical and psychological condition after nearly two months in captivity.

Makinde revealed that arrangements had already begun to reunite the children and teachers with their loved ones immediately after the military completed the handover process.

He noted that some of the rescued children had repeatedly asked to see their parents since regaining their freedom, highlighting the emotional toll the prolonged captivity had taken on the victims.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Their rescue followed an extensive intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. Authorities confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while several others were neutralised during the operation.

The anticipated reunion is expected to mark the end of one of Oyo State’s most traumatic school abduction cases in recent years. While families prepare to welcome their loved ones home, the victims are expected to continue receiving medical care, counselling and rehabilitation to aid their recovery from the ordeal.