The pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending weeks in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the victims were rescued by Nigerian security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote in a post on his verified X account.
As of the time of reporting, authorities had not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release or whether any ransom was paid.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked 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 kidnapped during the coordinated attacks.
The incident turned deadly after teacher Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.
According to earlier reports, the abductors demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before freeing the captives.
The Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom for the victims’ release.
The abduction sparked widespread concern across the state, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike to demand urgent action before suspending the industrial action in July.
The rescue follows weeks of security operations by military and police authorities, who had repeatedly assured Nigerians that efforts to free the victims were ongoing.
