Schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The rescue was confirmed on Friday by the Presidency, which said the victims were freed through a coordinated operation by security agencies.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a statement, saying, “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies.”
According to him, eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga stressed that the rescue was carried out without any negotiation or concession to the abductors, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
“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 full account soon,” he said.
A video released alongside the statement showed one of the rescued teachers expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
Addressing the President, she said:
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much.”
The rescued pupils were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
Tinubu Commends Security Agencies
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the successful rescue, describing it as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts in ending the victims’ 56-day ordeal.
He also sympathised with the rescued children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged captivity.
Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the operation and urged authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.
The President also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued victims with the necessary medical care and relief support as they recover.
Makinde Expresses Relief
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed joy over the successful rescue.
“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.
Background
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, abducting dozens of pupils, teachers and a school principal.
A teacher was killed during the attack, while another later died in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage and protests.
The incident also prompted demonstrations by teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed calls for stronger security around schools.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that continued assaults on schools could force teachers across the country to withdraw their services.
The union later staged a nationwide rally demanding the victims’ rescue, saying the attacks had created fear, panic and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and affected communities.
