By-Nduka Eze Esther

Reg no- U25MM1098

There is finally a sigh of relief as the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.

According to a statement released by the Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were rescued through the combined efforts of Nigeria's security agencies after an intensive operation. He stated that the successful rescue reflects the government's commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

A source familiar with the operation disclosed that the abductees were freed on Friday evening. The source also revealed that some of the terrorists were killed during the rescue operation, while eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

This news reports that a total of 46 people, consisting of 39 pupils and seven teachers, were kidnapped when terrorists simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, threw the affected communities into confusion as gunmen invaded the schools during school hours. Parents, teachers and residents were left devastated as the victims were taken away into the bush by the armed men. The incident quickly became one of the most talked-about security issues in the country, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing rate of attacks on schools.

Sadly,one of the teachers was reportedly killed by the terrorists. 

For several weeks, families of the abducted pupils and teachers lived in fear and uncertainty, hoping for positive news. Many parents appealed to both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to do everything possible to secure the release of their children. Religious organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders and concerned Nigerians also offered prayers and support to the affected families.

As rescue efforts continued, security operatives reportedly relied on intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to locate the kidnappers and safely rescue the victims. According to the Presidency, the operation eventually led to the successful release of the captives without further casualties among the remaining victims.

In a video posted by Mr. Bayo Onanuga on his social media page after the rescue, the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security operatives for ensuring their safe return. she said:

"The President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we are grateful for all you have done for us. Thank you very much to every security operative for your efforts. Because of your dedication, we are alive today."

Interestingly, Mrs. Folawe had earlier appeared in a video released by the kidnappers during their captivity. In the footage, she passionately appealed to the government to negotiate with the abductors and give them whatever they wanted in order to save the lives of the pupils and teachers. 
 

The kidnapping, which occurred on May 15, 2026, sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State and the country at large. Civil society organisations, including the Take-It-Back Movement, organised mass demonstrations in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding an immediate rescue operation while the  video attracted sympathy from many Nigerians.

Following the announcement of the victims' release, video and several pictures surfaced online showing some the rescued pupils wearing matching adire outfits while eating biscuits and a victim holding a phone shortly after regaining their freedom.

The pictures and videos quickly went viral across different social media platforms. While many Nigerians celebrated the successful rescue and thanked the security agencies, others raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the matching outfits and the condition in which the victims were seen after their release. The videos generated different reactions online, with many people asking for more information about the rescue process. However, the Presidency maintained that the victims were rescued through the efforts of the nation's security agencies, while investigations into the kidnapping continue.