Schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the victims were freed through a coordinated operation by security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were killed.
According to Onanuga, the rescue was carried out without any negotiation or concession to the abductors.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he said.
A video shared by Onanuga showed a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers thanking President Tinubu and security personnel for securing their release. The rescued pupils were also seen chanting, “Thank you, sir,” after her remarks.
“Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you,” the teacher said.
Makinde, Tinubu react
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed relief over the successful rescue of the victims.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Tinubu also welcomed the development, commending the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for securing the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued by Onanuga, the President described the operation as a major success and praised the security agencies for their professionalism and persistence.
He also sympathised with the rescued children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during their captivity.
Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the operation and urged authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.
The President also directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide the victims with medical care, psychosocial support and other necessary assistance.
The abduction
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, a teacher was shot dead, while the gunmen kidnapped the school principal, other teachers and dozens of pupils.
Reports later indicated that another abducted teacher was killed while in captivity.
The attack sparked protests by teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed calls for improved security in schools across the country.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the attack as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that continued assaults on schools could force teachers to withdraw their services nationwide.
The union later organised a nationwide rally demanding the victims’ release, saying the incident had caused widespread fear and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and affected communities.
