There was widespread relief on Friday as the pupils and teachers abducted during a deadly attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
The development was first announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed the release in a post on his verified X handle.
“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been freed by their abductors,” Onanuga wrote.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly whisked away no fewer than 42 pupils and teachers, including a school principal, throwing the state into mourning and prompting a massive security operation.
The tragedy worsened a day later when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the terrorists, reportedly to discourage security operatives from closing in on their hideout.
The abductors were also said to have demanded the release of two of their commanders in exchange for the hostages.
Security sources involved in the operation revealed that soldiers had strategically blocked all possible escape routes from the forest, making it difficult for the kidnappers to relocate the victims and increasing pressure on the criminal group.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Government described the release of the victims as "a victory for resilience and principled leadership."
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government expresses gratitude over the safe return of the pupils and teachers after weeks in captivity.
“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” the statement read.
The government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents and pledged to continue working with security agencies to eliminate kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the state.
