By Idriss LAWAL
It was pure joy diluted with relief as parents of abducted Oriire children reunited with their wards after 56 days.
Husbands and relatives of teachers were also in joyous mood as they again saw their members. Tears of joy flow freely and warm embraces were endless.
The captives arrived back in their homes Friday after they were rescued Thursday and after undergoing preliminary health and intelligence scrutiny.
While families of the rescued victims celebrated the return of their loved ones, relatives of two teachers who lost their lives during the ordeal mourned their deaths.
The deceased were Mr Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers while in captivity, and Mr Adesiyan Adegboye, who was shot dead during the abduction.
Speaking on behalf of one of the affected families, Mrs Asabi Risikatu, an elder sister to the mother of two rescued pupils, said the children’s mother was too overwhelmed with emotion to speak.
“My sister cannot speak now because she is overjoyed. I am so excited that I can’t even sleep. I will ask her to speak with you later,” she said.
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“We are very grateful. We thank the government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and the security operatives for coming to our aid. We have seen our children among the rescued victims, and we will remain grateful.” ExecutiveBranch
One of the parents, Mr Musa Abdulwaheed, also expressed appreciation for the safe return of the abducted pupils.
“As one of the parents of the kidnapped pupils in Oriire, I thank Almighty God for the freedom of our children. I also appreciate the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for their efforts,” he said.
“I am the happiest person this evening. I will sleep well tonight. I thank God. I saw my children among the rescued victims in a viral video. I have not seen them physically yet, but knowing they are safe is enough for now,” the parent said.
However, for the family of the late Michael Oyedokun, the rescue brought both relief and renewed sorrow.
A relative said although they were thankful that the remaining victims had returned safely, their family would never experience the joy of welcoming their loved one home.
Oyedokun was among the teachers abducted alongside the pupils during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. He was reportedly killed by the abductors while the remaining victims spent 56 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Reacting on Instagram, his niece, Oluwabukolami, who had served as the family’s spokesperson throughout the ordeal, said the return of the victims could not erase the pain of losing her uncle.
In an emotional post, she congratulated the rescued victims and their families while reflecting on her family’s loss.
“They are finally home. My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear and uncertainty. Welcome home.”
