One of the schoolchildren recently rescued from captivity in Oyo State has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the development follows medical examinations performed on the victims at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, disclosed this on Tuesday while giving an update on the condition of the rescued pupils and teachers.
According to him, specialists discovered the heart condition during a comprehensive medical evaluation carried out after the victims were admitted for treatment and psychological care following their release.
Olakulehin said the child’s parents were unaware of the condition before the hospital conducted the examination.
He also revealed that 31 of the rescued victims had been discharged after being certified medically fit and reunited with their families.
The hospital admitted 39 rescued children after they were handed over by the Nigerian Army following their rescue from captivity. Eight of the children, however, remain under medical observation and treatment to ensure their full recovery.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when armed attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
They regained their freedom last Friday after spending 56 days in captivity and were handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday. Two teachers were killed during the period they were held by the kidnappers.
On Tuesday, emotional scenes played out at the teaching hospital as parents and relatives reunited with the rescued children and teachers.
The mother of one of the youngest victims, Testimony, expressed gratitude after seeing her daughter again.
“Merciful God, I thank You. I never imagined that my daughter, Testimony, would return to me safe and fill my heart with joy. Who am I that You should love me so much? I also thank President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and the security agents. May God Almighty bless you all,” she said.