The pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In a post on his verified X handle, Onanuga announced that security agencies had successfully secured the victims’ release.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and security agencies had yet to disclose details of the rescue operation, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed attackers stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were abducted during the coordinated attacks.
The incident turned deadly as a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was shot dead while attempting to escape. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the abductors while in captivity.
The kidnappers had earlier demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws before releasing the captives.
However, the Oyo State Government repeatedly insisted that it would not negotiate with or pay ransom to the abductors.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage across the state, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike to pressure authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims.
The industrial action was later suspended after assurances from security agencies that efforts to secure the hostages’ freedom had been intensified.
The incident also drew national attention, with the military, police and other security agencies repeatedly assuring Nigerians that coordinated operations were underway to rescue the victims safely.
The latest development brings an end to weeks of anxiety for the families of the pupils and teachers, although questions remain over the circumstances surrounding their release and whether the kidnappers’ demands were met.
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