Relief and excitement spread across Oyo State on Friday after pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area regained their freedom following weeks in captivity.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development in a post on his official X account, revealing that security agencies successfully rescued the victims after sustained operations against the kidnappers.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
The post included photographs and videos showing the rescued victims gathered in a forested area. The children, many of them wearing school uniforms and casual clothes, appeared tired but cheerful as they stood close to their teachers. Some waved and smiled while adults around them expressed gratitude for their release.
The abduction occurred in May when armed men attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities, taking dozens of pupils and several teachers into captivity. The incident sparked outrage across the state and raised fresh concerns about the safety of schools in rural communities.
In one of the videos shared after their rescue, a female teacher, speaking with visible emotion and surrounded by some of the children, thanked President Bola Tinubu and members of the security agencies for securing their freedom.
“Hello sir, our father. We are grateful. The president sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see in your hand. Thank you very much. And every security operative, they tried so much and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful unto you. Thank you very much.”
“God bless you sir. God bless you sir.”
“Thank you.”
Her emotional message reflected the relief felt by families and residents who had anxiously awaited the victims’ return for several weeks.
Although authorities have not yet released full details of the rescue operation, the Presidency later confirmed that security forces made significant progress in tracking those responsible for the attack.
The successful rescue has been widely welcomed, with many Nigerians praising the efforts of security personnel while calling for stronger protection for schools and communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.
As investigations continue, officials have assured the public that those behind the abduction will face justice, while security agencies intensify efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
