Oriire rescue: 'Bandits chained, blindfolded male victims throughout,' Soun reveals, as he visits freed abductees in hospital

Oriire rescue: ‘Bandits chained, blindfolded male victims throughout,’ Soun reveals, as he visits freed abductees in hospital

Khalid ABRAHAM

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, on Saturday visited the pupils and teachers recently rescued from captivity, describing their testimonies as heartbreaking.

The monarch, in a statement, said he visited the victims at the Ojoo Military Cantonment alongside the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, and Senator Fatai Buhari, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other senior military officers.

Oba Olaoye said listening to the accounts of the victims revealed the unimaginable hardship they endured during more than 50 days in the custody of their abductors.

He disclosed that the male teachers were kept chained and blindfolded throughout their captivity, while one of the teachers was brutally killed by the kidnappers.

According to the monarch, no human being deserves such cruel and inhumane treatment.

The Soun, however, thanked God for the safe return of the pupils and teachers, noting that their rescue remains a testimony to God’s mercy and faithfulness.

He added that all the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention.

Oba Olaoye also appreciated the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices, which culminated in the successful rescue operation.

He urged Nigerians to continue praying for those still being held captive in different parts of the country, while praying for comfort for families affected by insecurity.

The monarch also prayed that Ogbomosoland would never again witness such a painful incident, asking God to preserve the land and grant lasting peace and security across the community.

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