Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom_ Presidency

Kidnapped Oyo Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom_ Presidency

By Eniola Akinwumi-Niyi

The pupils and teachers who were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released after spending 56 days in captivity according presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. 

The Presidency confirmed the release of the abductees, with Presidential spokesperson Bayo 

Onanuga announcing the news on Facebook and X ( formerly called Twitter ).

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.

In a video shared by Onanuga, Alamu Folawe, the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security personnel involved in the rescue.

She said "The President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful."

According to Onanuga, the group, consisting of 39 pupils and seven teachers, was rescued following coordinated operations by various security agencies.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, also confirmed the rescue and indicated that further details of the operation would be provided later.

Reports indicate that the abductees were held inside the Old Oyo National Park, a protected forest reserve associated with the Kainji National Park, where a faction of Boko Haram was reportedly active. Some terrorists were reportedly killed during the rescue operation.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed individuals attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle, leading to heightened concern across the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the abduction, recognizing it as a reflection of changing security challenges in the country. He stated that security operatives encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers during search operations and announced the arrest of six suspects linked to the incident.

The incident prompted protests by civil society organizations and members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), who demanded the immediate rescue of the victims.