WATCH: Joy as All Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Return Home After 56 Days in Captivity
Relief has swept across Oyo State following the successful rescue of all the pupils, teachers and school officials kidnapped during the deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area nearly two months ago.
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The victims, who had spent 56 days in captivity after being seized by armed kidnappers on May 15, regained their freedom through a security operation coordinated by Nigerian security agencies.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough.
He disclosed that eight suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised.
According to him, the operation was carried out without yielding to the abductors’ demands. He noted that a notorious gang leader whose release had been requested by the kidnappers remains in detention and is facing prosecution.
Security agencies, he added, will provide further details of the rescue operation in due course.
A video released after the rescue showed one of the freed teachers expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and members of the security agencies for securing their release.
Surrounded by the rescued children, she thanked the President for his commitment to their safety, while the pupils echoed their gratitude.
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as an enormous relief, saying he was overwhelmed with joy over the safe return of the victims.
President Tinubu also welcomed the outcome, praising the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts in ending the victims’ lengthy ordeal.
He extended sympathy to the rescued children, teachers and their families for the trauma they endured during their captivity.
The President further applauded the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue effort and urged authorities to strengthen security measures around schools to prevent similar attacks.
He also directed relevant emergency agencies to provide the victims with medical attention, counselling and other forms of support to aid their recovery.
The mass abduction occurred on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen stormed three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area, whisking away dozens of pupils, teachers and a school principal.
The attack targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, sending shockwaves across the country.
One teacher was killed during the invasion, while another, Michael Oyedokun, was later murdered in captivity, deepening public outrage over the incident.
The kidnapping sparked protests by teachers in Ogbomoso and prompted widespread calls for stronger protection of schools.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers condemned the attack as inhumane and warned that the growing insecurity around educational institutions posed a serious threat to teaching and learning across the country.
The union later organised nationwide demonstrations demanding the victims’ release and improved security for schools.
