Friday, July 10, 2026
The pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity, bringing an end to one of the state's most high-profile school kidnapping incidents in recent months.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed the news in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
"Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies," Onanuga wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the victims' release, including whether the operation involved negotiations, a security rescue mission, or the payment of any ransom. Officials also withheld details on the condition of the victims and where they are receiving medical attention and debriefing.
The abduction occurred in May 2026, when armed men attacked schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. The incident triggered nationwide outrage, forced the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike in Oyo State, and prompted renewed calls for stronger security around schools.
Following the attack, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed an intensified multi-agency rescue operation involving security and intelligence services. The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue unit to strengthen efforts to secure the victims' release.
The Federal Government had repeatedly assured the public that security agencies were working to rescue the victims safely, while the Inspector-General of Police coordinated intelligence-led operations across Oyo and neighbouring states.
Security agencies are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the rescue operation or announce whether any arrests have been made in connection with the abduction.