Armed men who kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers in Oyo State have released the victims after nearly two months in captivity.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday in a post on his verified X account, confirming that security agencies secured the victims’ freedom.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
Authorities have yet to disclose how the victims were freed, including whether a ransom was paid or the circumstances that led to their release.
The victims were abducted 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 Orire Local Government Area.
At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken during the coordinated attacks.
The incident turned deadly as teacher Joel Adesiyan was shot and killed while trying to escape. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded while being held captive.
Reports indicated that the kidnappers demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws before agreeing to free the hostages.
Despite the demands, the Oyo State Government repeatedly maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ release.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage and forced the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike in Oyo State before suspending the action in July.
Federal security agencies, including the military and police, had continued rescue operations throughout the period, assuring Nigerians that efforts to secure the victims’ release were ongoing.
Further details on the rescue are expected from the relevant authorities.
