The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X account.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
Authorities have yet to reveal details of the rescue operation or confirm whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
During the incident, teacher Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while trying to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the kidnappers.
Before the victims were freed, the kidnappers reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
The Oyo State Government repeatedly maintained that it would not pay ransom for the release of the captives.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage and forced the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike before suspending the action in July.
The incident also prompted intervention from federal security agencies, which assured the public that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing.
