By Ayomide Otitoju
The schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity.
The Presidency announced the rescue on Friday, saying the victims were freed during a coordinated security operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued.
According to him, eight members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the DSS, while several others were neutralised.
Onanuga said the operation was carried out without conceding to the kidnappers’ demands, including their request for the release of an alleged gang leader who remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
He added that security agencies would provide further details of the operation.
A video released by the Presidency showed one of the rescued teachers thanking President Bola Tinubu and security operatives for securing their freedom.
The teacher expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to their safety, while the rescued pupils joined in thanking the President.
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as a major relief for the state and the families of the victims.
Speaking on Channels Television, the governor thanked the military, DSS, police and other security agencies for their efforts, as well as President Tinubu for supporting the rescue operation.
President Tinubu also welcomed the successful operation, describing it as a significant relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a separate statement issued by Onanuga, the President commended the military, DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and determination, which led to the rescue of the victims after nearly two months in captivity.
Tinubu sympathised with the rescued children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured and directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the victims with medical care, counselling and other relief support.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers abducted dozens of pupils, teachers and a school principal. A teacher was killed during the attack, while another reportedly died in captivity, sparking nationwide condemnation.
The incident triggered protests by teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed calls for improved security in schools.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that persistent attacks on schools could disrupt education nationwide.
The union later organised a nationwide rally demanding the safe return of the victims, saying the abduction had caused fear, panic and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and affected communities.
