The Kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers abducted during a violent attack on schools in Oyo State have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the successful rescue through a post on his verified X account.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
He further stated that the rescue operation was carried out without granting any concession to the abductors.
“There was no concession made to the terrorists to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he said.
The announcement brings relief to families, communities and education stakeholders who had anxiously awaited positive news since the mass abduction occurred in May.
Attack That Shocked Oyo Communities
The incident happened on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men invaded three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
The affected schools were Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
During the coordinated attack, at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken away by the gunmen.
The attack also turned deadly. Teacher Joel Adesiyan reportedly lost his life while trying to escape from the attackers, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded while being held captive.
Reports indicated that the abductors presented several conditions before agreeing to release the victims.
Their demands allegedly included the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
Despite mounting pressure, the Oyo State Government repeatedly maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the release of the victims.
Rescue Ends Weeks of Anxiety
The abduction sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, leading to calls for stronger security around schools and quicker action to rescue those held captive.
The prolonged captivity also prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to begin a month-long strike in solidarity with the victims and to demand intensified rescue efforts.
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The industrial action was later suspended in July as security operations continued.
Throughout the period, military and police authorities repeatedly assured Nigerians that coordinated operations were underway to secure the safe return of those abducted.
Friday’s announcement confirms that those efforts have now yielded results, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty for the affected families and communities.
