How abducted Oyo pupils, teachers got released after 56 days in captivity

Editor

The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released after about 56 days in captivity.

A statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.

He said that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.

He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon.”

In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.

 Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.

President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.

In a statement issued on Friday, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.

The President also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

 The Abduction

 On May 15, 2026, gunmen attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils, teachers and a school principal.

The attack targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School. A teacher was killed during the assault, while another later died in captivity, triggering nationwide outrage.

The attack sparked protests among teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed calls for stronger security around schools.

Here is how the 56-day saga unfolded.

May 15: The attack

Armed men numbering in the dozens, some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles, stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

They opened fire before seizing pupils, students and teachers, including a toddler aged two. At least one person was killed during the raid.

Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary.

In total, 39 pupils and seven teachers — 46 victims — were confirmed abducted, including the school principal, Folawe Alamu.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as barbaric and vowed a rescue operation, with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, dispatching more detectives to Oyo State to lead a technology-driven operation.

Late May: The beheading of Michael Oyedokun

Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by his captors in a video that sparked nationwide condemnation and hardened public anger toward the government’s handling of the crisis. The killing was reportedly intended to deter security operatives closing in on the kidnappers’ camp.

May 31: Federal delegation, forest guards, negotiations begin

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila led a federal delegation — including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and presidential aide Sunday Dare — to the affected communities.

Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed a specialised rescue unit to intensify operations.

Around this time, reports emerged that the kidnappers had opened communication channels with the state government, demanding the release of two detained Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Usman (“Abu Bara’a”) and his deputy Abubakar Abba, as a condition for freeing the victims.

June 1: NUT declares indefinite strike

The Nigeria Union of Teachers ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services indefinitely, demanding the government secure the victims’ release before schools reopened. Solidarity rallies followed across state capitals on June 2.

Early-mid June: Fake “release” claims proliferate

At least three separate waves of misinformation falsely claimed the victims had been freed.. Oyo Police and the state government repeatedly and firmly debunked each claim, while fact-checkers (Africa Check) intervened publicly.

Late June: Ransom allegations, pressure campaigns

Social media activist VeryDarkMan (Martins Otse) led protests to the Oyo governor’s office. The Oyo government, through Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, repeatedly denied any ransom payment. Civil society groups, including Socialist Labour, accused the government of complacency and demanded accountability.

July 2: NUT suspends strike

After roughly a month of industrial action, the NUT called off its strike, citing government assurances that efforts to secure the victims’ release were intensifying, and citing concern for pupils’ lost academic time.

July 8-9: Defence minister confirms standoff over use of force

Defence Minister Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted a forceful rescue, explaining the extended timeline and the shift toward a negotiated approach. Army Chief Waidi Shaibu said troops were making “tremendous progress” and had identified associates of the kidnappers.

July 10: Freedom, at last

Onanuga announced that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies, bringing the 56-day ordeal to an end.

He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in DSS custody, while some others were neutralised.

While the victims’ rescue brings an end to the 56-day ordeal, security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive account of the operation, including details of the arrests and the circumstances surrounding the rescue.

The Nation/The Punch