By Queen Madaki
The schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated rescue operation by Nigerian security agencies.
The successful operation, confirmed on Friday by the Presidency, also led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the mission.
Eight Suspected Kidnappers Arrested
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the victims were rescued through a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the operation was carried out without conceding to the kidnappers’ demands.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga stated.
He explained that despite demands by the abductors for the release of one of their alleged leaders, the Federal Government refused to negotiate his freedom, insisting that he would continue to face prosecution.
Rescued Teacher Thanks President Tinubu
A video released after the rescue showed one of the rescued teachers expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
Surrounded by some of the rescued pupils, the visibly emotional teacher said:
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today.”
The rescued children were also seen chanting, “Thank you, sir,” while receiving food after the operation.
Makinde Expresses Relief
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed joy over the successful rescue of the victims.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
Tinubu Praises Security Agencies
President Bola Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue, describing it as a major victory for Nigeria’s security agencies and a relief for the affected families.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and resilience throughout the 56-day operation.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso, after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists and led to the arrest of eight of them.
“This successful operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families.”
The President also sympathised with the victims and their families over the trauma they endured during their captivity.
Tinubu Vows Justice for Murdered Teacher
President Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the attack would face justice, including those involved in the killing of teacher Mr. Oyedokun, who was murdered during the incident.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.”
He further commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation.
The President also directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical treatment, psychological care and other relief support for the rescued children and teachers.
How the Abduction Happened
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed gunmen attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers invaded:
- Baptist Nursery and Primary School
- Community Grammar School
- L.A. Primary School
Several pupils, teachers and a school principal were kidnapped during the attack.
A teacher was killed during the invasion, while another reportedly died in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools.
NUT Condemned the Attack
Following the incident, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) organised protests and nationwide rallies demanding the immediate rescue of the victims.
The union described the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that continued attacks on schools could discourage teachers from carrying out their duties and further threaten access to education across the country.
The successful rescue has now brought an end to one of Nigeria’s longest school kidnapping incidents in recent months, while investigations and prosecution of the arrested suspects are expected to continue.
Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.
Hallelujah 🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/rs6KNvearh
— AdegbolaJohn (@AdegbolaJohn3) July 10, 2026
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