The pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday in a post on his X handle, stating: “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors.”
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage following the reported killing of a teacher during the attack and prompted President Bola Tinubu to order an intensive security operation involving the police, intelligence agencies and other security forces to secure the victims’ release.
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The Federal Government had repeatedly assured the families and the Oyo State Government that every available resource would be deployed to rescue the victims safely, while President Tinubu also approved additional security measures, including the recruitment of forest guards for the state to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
Our State House Correspondent Yemi Adebayo reports that As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the victims’ release, including the circumstances of their freedom and their medical condition, have not yet been disclosed by the authorities.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
