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Residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State celebrated on Friday as a teacher and 39 pupils abducted from three schools on May 15 regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
A video shared on X captured jubilant scenes as released pupils and teachers returned home, with residents applauding the armed forces’ efforts.
UPDATE: Ogbomoso lit up to celebrate the return of the abducted Oyo state pupils and teachers. https://t.co/xng8aJNeck pic.twitter.com/14KBhhScG0
— JE (@TheEgnite) July 10, 2026
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the school principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the rescue, announcing that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been freed by security agencies.
According to him, eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested and are currently in DSS custody, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
Onanuga added that no ransom or concession was made to secure the victims’ release, noting that the gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
President Bola Tinubu described the rescue as a major relief for the victims, their families, and the nation, while commending the military, DSS, and police for their efforts.
He, however, expressed sympathy for the trauma endured by the victims and their families and pledged that justice would be served for the late mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was killed while in captivity.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also welcomed the development, describing the victims’ return as a huge relief for the state.
The State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, reiterated that the government maintained its policy against paying ransom throughout the crisis.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
