After Nearly Two Months in Captivity, Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers Return Home

Relief swept across Oyo State on Friday as all pupils and teachers abducted during a coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity.

The successful rescue was confirmed by the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced that security agencies secured the release of all the victims.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. Those abducted included dozens of pupils, teachers and other school personnel, an incident that triggered widespread concern across the country.

According to the Presidency, the rescue operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang, who are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Security operatives also neutralised some members of the criminal group during the operation.

The Presidency further disclosed that the operation was carried out without yielding to the kidnappers’ reported demand for the release of a notorious gang leader. The suspect remains in custody and is facing prosecution, while authorities stressed that no concessions were made to secure the victims’ freedom.

The release sparked celebrations among families and residents of the affected communities, with videos circulating online showing emotional reunions as the children and their teachers returned home safely after weeks of uncertainty.

Security agencies are expected to provide a detailed briefing on the rescue operation as investigations continue and efforts intensify to bring all those responsible for the abduction to justice.