The 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the victims were rescued by security agencies.
In a post on his verified X handle, Onanuga wrote, “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”
He later revealed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other members of the gang were neutralised.
Onanuga also dismissed reports that the victims were released through a prisoner exchange, insisting there was “no quid pro quo” with the kidnappers.
According to him, one of the terrorist commanders whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains on trial for terrorism-related offences, indicating that the government did not accede to the kidnappers’ demands.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
The attackers, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and opened fire, abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the Principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle Mrs. Folawe Alamu.
During the attack, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape.
The tragedy deepened days later when another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers in captivity, a development that sparked nationwide outrage.
The kidnappers were reported to have demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before freeing the captives.
However, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ release.
The abduction triggered widespread public concern and protests, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike across Oyo State in June, insisting that the victims be rescued before schools resumed. The union later suspended the strike in early July following renewed assurances from the government that efforts to rescue the victims had intensified.
The incident also attracted federal intervention. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and directed security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims. Senior security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector-General of Police, led coordinated efforts to secure their release.
Earlier this week, the Chief of Defence Staff explained that the rescue operation had taken longer because the kidnappers repeatedly threatened to kill the captives if security forces launched a direct assault.
Reacting to the rescue, Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde wrote on his X handle:
“Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience. We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families”.
Although the successful operation has brought an end to the 56-day ordeal, security agencies are yet to provide a detailed account of how the victims were rescued.
Authorities are expected to brief the public on the circumstances surrounding the operation and the ongoing investigation into the activities of the suspected kidnappers now in DSS custody.
