10/07/2026
BREAKING: Relief as Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After 56 Days in Captivity
There was widespread relief across Oyo State on Friday as the pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area finally regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The development was confirmed by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post shared on his verified X account.
Announcing the breakthrough, Onanuga praised the efforts of Nigeria's security agencies in securing the victims' release.
"Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies," Onanuga wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to provide details on how the rescue was carried out or whether any ransom was paid. Security agencies have also not disclosed the exact circumstances that led to the victims' freedom.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed attackers stormed three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
During the coordinated attack, no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were whisked away into the forest, throwing families, residents, and the entire state into weeks of fear and uncertainty.
The tragedy claimed the lives of two teachers. Joel Adesiyan was reportedly shot dead while attempting to escape during the attack, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later gruesomely murdered by his captors.
The kidnappers were said to have made a four-point demand before agreeing to release the victims. Their conditions allegedly included the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
Despite the pressure, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not negotiate with criminals or pay ransom for the victims' release.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on a month-long strike, insisting that authorities intensify efforts to rescue the victims. The strike was later suspended after assurances from security agencies.
The incident also attracted federal attention, with the military, police, and other security agencies repeatedly assuring Nigerians that coordinated operations were underway to bring the victims home safely.
Friday's announcement has now brought hope and relief to affected families and communities who endured weeks of anxiety while praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
Residents have commended the security agencies for the successful operation while urging the Federal and Oyo State Governments to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Further details surrounding the rescue are expected from the relevant authorities in the coming hours.
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