By Jane Okafor, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending security agencies for securing their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as a coordinated operation that led to the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage.
According to the statement, the operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the rescue mission.
President Tinubu expressed sympathy with the victims, their families and Nigerians over the trauma caused by the abduction, describing the rescue as a major relief after weeks of uncertainty.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
The President further directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care, counselling and other relief support for the rescued pupils and teachers as they recover from their ordeal.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, taking dozens of pupils and teachers hostage. The incident sparked nationwide concern and prompted sustained rescue efforts by security agencies.
