*Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed

AT least eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Council of Oyo State have been arrested.

    Some of the abductors were also killed during the rescue operation.

    The Presidency in a post on X on Friday, July 10, by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced that all the abducted school children and teachers were rescued.

    The Presidency said the arrested suspected kidnappers were in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), adding: “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, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. 

    “The security agencies will give a full account soon.”

    A statement by Onanuga announcing the rescue of the victims said they were freed through the efforts of security agencies, noting: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies.”     

    Onanuga reiterated that the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers.

    In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers thanked the President 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.

    The teacher added: “Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr. President, sir, we are grateful.

    “We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much.

    “Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much.”

    In his reaction, Governor Seyi Makinde expressed relief and joy over the development, noting: “It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.”

    The rescue brings an end to the 56-day ordeal of the abducted pupils and teachers, whose kidnapping had sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities across the country.

    Recall that on May 15, 2026, the attackers stormed three schools in the area, including Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Council, near Ogbomoso, Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as well as L.A. Primary School and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, abducting 46 pupils, students and teachers.

   One teacher was shot dead, while another abducted teacher was later beheaded by the kidnappers.

    Following the attacks, there were protests by teachers in Ogbomoso, who called for stronger security around schools.

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) described the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that continued assaults on schools could force teachers nationwide to withdraw their services.

    The union later organised a nationwide rally, demanding the rescue of the victims, saying the attacks had created fear, panic and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and affected communities.

    The armed men, reportedly in their dozens, some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles,

Shot sporadically before abducting the victims.

     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, making it a total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the school principal, Folawe Alamu.

    Tinubu, while condemning the attack as barbaric and vowed a rescue operation, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, dispatching more detectives to the state to lead a technology-driven operation.

    One of the victims, a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by his captors later that month in a video that attracted nationwide condemnation and public anger over government’s handling of the matter.
    Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, led a federal government delegation that included the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Disu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and presidential aide, Sunday Dare; to the affected communities.

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

    The kidnappers later demanded 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.