The pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, bringing an end to nearly two months of anxiety over one of the state’s most shocking mass kidnappings.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the successful rescue of the victims by security agencies.
In a post on his verified X handle, Onanuga declared: *”Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”
Although the Federal Government confirmed the victims’ freedom, authorities have yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding their release, including whether any ransom was paid or the operational details that led to the successful rescue.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists stormed three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
The attackers kidnapped no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, in a coordinated assault that sent shockwaves across the country.
The tragedy turned even more gruesome as teacher Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while attempting to escape during the attack, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.
Reports had indicated that the terrorists demanded the release of detained commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related law before agreeing to free the captives.
Despite the pressure, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers.
The mass abduction sparked widespread outrage and public concern, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on a month-long strike to demand intensified efforts toward rescuing the victims before suspending the industrial action in July.
Throughout the ordeal, military and police authorities repeatedly assured Nigerians that coordinated security operations were underway to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The successful rescue marks the end of a traumatic chapter for the affected families and communities, while raising fresh questions over the security challenges facing schools and rural communities across Nigeria.
