Jubilant scenes erupted across Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a teacher and 39 pupils abducted from three schools in the area were freed after 56 harrowing days in captivity.

A video shared on social media showed residents lining the roads, cheering and waving as security vehicles conveying the rescued pupils and teachers drove through the communities. Some onlookers were seen raising their hands in gratitude, while others shouted in praise of the security forces credited with the operation.

The victims, taken during a coordinated attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities, included 39 pupils and seven staff members. Among them was the principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, whose abduction had become a symbol of the community’s anguish.

Their release followed what officials described as a carefully planned operation involving the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. Presidential aide on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the breakthrough, stating that eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested and are in DSS custody, while several others were neutralised.

Onanuga stressed that no ransom was paid and no concessions were granted to the abductors. He added that a gang leader whose release had been demanded as part of the kidnappers’ conditions remains in custody and is being prosecuted.

President Bola Tinubu, speaking through his media aide, hailed the rescue as a major relief for the victims, their families and the country. He commended the security agencies for what he described as tireless and coordinated efforts, while acknowledging the psychological trauma suffered by the children, their teachers and relatives.

The President also pledged justice for the family of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed in captivity, assuring that those responsible would be held to account.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde welcomed the news with visible emotion, calling the development a huge relief for the state. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, reiterated that the government maintained a strict policy against ransom payments throughout the crisis.

As the rescued pupils and teachers reunited with their families, Oriire communities shifted from weeks of fear and uncertainty to a day of celebration, even as calls grew louder for stronger protection of schools in vulnerable areas.