By Sandra Kenneth
The pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity, the Presidency confirmed on Friday.
The breakthrough was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his verified X handle. “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga stated.
In a subsequent update, Onanuga revealed that security forces killed several of the terrorists and arrested eight suspects, who are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The Presidency firmly denied making any concessions or trading a detained terrorist kingpin to secure the victims’ release, maintaining that the kingpin remains under prosecution.
The crisis began on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School across the Esiele and Yawota communities. The attackers seized 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
The abduction was marked by extreme brutality. One teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was shot and killed while attempting to escape during the initial raid. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the gunmen while in captivity—an act that sparked national outrage.
Following the abductions, the terrorists issued a aggressive four-point demand for the victims’ release, which included the freeing of detained terrorist commanders, a heavy ransom payment, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related law. However, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained a strict policy against negotiating or paying ransoms to criminals.
The protracted hostage situation triggered widespread public anguish and heavily disrupted the state’s education system. In protest and solidarity, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) embarked on a month-long strike across Oyo State to demand federal action, only suspending the strike earlier this month.
While the victims are now safe, federal security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the tactical rescue operation in the coming days.
