The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Professor Olawale Olakulehin, on Wednesday appealed to journalists and members of the public to respect the privacy of children rescued from the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that undue exposure could undermine their psychological recovery.
Olakulehin said exposing the children to crowds or media cameras at this delicate stage could trigger fear, anxiety and emotional distress, thereby slowing their recovery from the traumatic experience.
Speaking during a media briefing on the condition of the rescued victims, the CMD disclosed that all those brought to the hospital underwent comprehensive medical and psychological assessments immediately after arriving at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday.
He said doctors, psychologists and other healthcare professionals worked through the night to evaluate the physical and mental condition of each victim before commencing appropriate treatment.
According to him, 35 victims have so far been discharged after being certified medically fit and reunited with their families.
“As of today, eight of the children and one adult are still under our care in the special ward, where they are undergoing further observation, evaluation and treatment. We hope they will be discharged and reunited with their families as soon as possible,” Olakulehin said.
He explained that family reunification remains an integral part of the healing process, stressing that no victim would remain in the hospital beyond the period considered medically necessary.
The CMD disclosed that the hospital had activated a comprehensive post-discharge rehabilitation programme involving its Medical Social Services Department, paediatricians, psychologists and other specialists to support the victims’ long-term recovery.
He said the intervention includes regular home visits and close collaboration with the Comprehensive Health Centre in the affected community to monitor the victims’ physical and psychological wellbeing and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.
“Should any medical or psychological concerns arise, our response team is prepared to intervene promptly,” he said.
Olakulehin commended the Oyo State Government, security agencies and healthcare workers for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the successful rescue and treatment of the victims.
He expressed optimism that the remaining patients would soon recover fully and reunite with their families.
Declining journalists’ request to interview or photograph the rescued children, the CMD insisted that protecting their privacy was essential to their healing process.
“At this stage, the privacy of the children must be fully respected. Healthcare professionals are still working with them, particularly on their psychological recovery. Many of them have experienced significant trauma, and exposing them to a crowd of people or media cameras could trigger panic and slow their recovery.
“Our priority is their wellbeing and successful reunion with their families. We therefore ask for your understanding and cooperation,” he said.
Olakulehin also thanked members of the media for relying on verified information from the hospital and urged them to avoid speculation while the victims continue their recovery, describing responsible reporting as critical to protecting the children’s dignity and emotional wellbeing.
