The pupils and teachers kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been freed.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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In a post on his verified X account, Onanuga confirmed that security operatives had successfully secured the victims’ release.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he stated.
As of the time of this report, authorities had not provided details on the circumstances surrounding the release, including whether any ransom was paid or how the operation was carried out.
The mass abduction took place on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers stormed three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken away by the gunmen.
During the attack, a teacher identified as Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while trying to flee.
Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.
Before the captives were released, the kidnappers were said to have presented four demands, including the release of detained terrorist leaders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the enforcement of Sharia-related laws.
Despite the demands, the Oyo State Government repeatedly insisted it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ freedom.
The incident sparked widespread concern across the state, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike to demand the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers before calling off the industrial action in July.
The development also attracted federal attention, with the military and police assuring the public throughout the period that efforts to rescue the victims were actively underway.
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