The pupils and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, ending nearly two months of 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 account.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
However, authorities have yet to disclose details of the rescue operation, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances that led to the victims’ release.
The victims were abducted 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.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken away during the attacks, sparking widespread outrage and concern across the state.
The tragedy claimed the lives of two teachers. Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while attempting to flee during the attack, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law as conditions for freeing the captives.
Despite the demands, the Oyo State Government repeatedly insisted that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ release.
The mass abduction prompted weeks of public anxiety and industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, which embarked on a month-long strike to press for the safe return of the victims before suspending the action in July.
The incident also attracted federal attention, with the military and police assuring Nigerians that efforts to rescue the captives were ongoing.
Friday’s announcement marks the end of one of Oyo State’s most disturbing school abduction incidents in recent years, although authorities are yet to provide further details on the operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
