In a wave of national relief, all pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the Oyo State on May 15, 2026, have been successfully rescued after 56 harrowing days in captivity.
The rescue operation, spearheaded by a combined team of military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the police personnel, also led to the arrest of eight kidnappers, with others neutralized during the intelligence-driven mission.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound joy at the successful outcome, commending the security agencies for their heroic efforts.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that.perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” President Tinubu stated.
He further pledged that his government would seek justice for the victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher gruesomely murdered by the abductors.
The ordeal began on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men on motorcycles simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High.School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele.
The assailants abducted 49 pupils, teachers, and a toddler, with victims ranging from two to sixteen years old.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across the nation, with many calling for the safe return of the captives.
While the presidency confirmed the rescue was a result of a military and intelligence-driven operation, refuting claims of ransom payment, some reports suggested otherwise.
The Oyo State Government has also denied paying any ransom for the release of the abducted individuals.
Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and directed emergency agencies to provide necessary medical and relief support to the rescued children and teachers.
The successful operation brings an end to a 56-day period of anguish and uncertainty for the affected families and the entire nation.
