It was a great relieve for families and the education community in Oyo State with the announcement that all pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, have been successfully rescued by Nigerian security forces.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the breakthrough, confirming that the victims were freed through coordinated operations by security agencies.
Onanuga shared videos and photos of the rescued individuals, including the school principal, and highlighted a thank-you message from one of the freed teachers to President Bola Tinubu and the security operatives.
“All the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga stated.
He added that eight kidnappers were arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while some others were neutralized during the operation.
He noted that no ransom was paid, and there was no exchange involving a detained kingpin, who remains in prosecution for his crimes.
The abduction occurred when heavily armed gunmen stormed Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and nearby Baptist schools in the area, seizing approximately 39 pupils (including primary and secondary students) and seven teachers – a total of around 46 victims.
One teacher was reportedly killed while in captivity.
The victims endured more than 50 days in the hands of their abductors, believed to have been held in a dense forest area, possibly within or near the Old Oyo National Park.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, protests by teachers and residents across Oyo State and other parts of the country, and intense pressure on both the federal and state governments.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed the location of the hostages and commended security efforts, while President Tinubu directed specialized units to intensify rescue operations.
Social media platforms erupted with joy and gratitude following the announcement.
Videos circulating online show freed pupils and teachers expressing thanks to God, President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and the security agencies. Many Nigerians described the rescue as an answered prayer after weeks of anxiety and false release rumors that had previously circulated and been debunked by authorities.
Governor Makinde thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the rescue efforts.
The Oyo State Government also denied any payment of ransom, attributing the safe return of the victims to sustained collaboration between federal and state security forces.
Security agencies are expected to provide a detailed briefing on the operation soon.
Families and the broader Oyo education community are now rejoicing as the victims reunite with their loved ones.
Further updates on the victims’ well-being and any long-term support measures are anticipated.
