46 ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS REGAIN FREEDOM AFTER WEEKS IN CAPTIVITY

Relief has swept across Oyo State following the rescue of 46 pupils and teachers who were abducted by suspected terrorists during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The victims, made up of 39 pupils and seven teachers, were freed on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Their release followed weeks of intelligence-led operations by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

Security sources disclosed that the abductees were rescued from a hideout inside the Old Oyo National Park, while several of the terrorists were killed during the operation.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle, throwing families and residents into panic.

The abduction triggered protests across Oyo State, with civil society organisations and the National Union of Teachers (NUT) demanding urgent government intervention. Teachers also embarked on a strike to press for the safe return of their colleagues and pupils.

Earlier, Governor Seyi Makinde had warned that the attack reflected the growing movement of terrorist groups from northern parts of the country into the South. He also revealed that security personnel encountered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the kidnappers during rescue efforts and confirmed the arrest of six suspects linked to the incident.

The Presidency confirmed the successful rescue, with presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announcing that all the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom.

Speaking after the rescue, the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Alamu Folawe, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their release.

“The President, sir, we are grateful. We appreciate your commitment to our safety. Every security operative gave their best, and that is why we are alive today,” she said.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, also confirmed the development, adding that more details of the operation would be made available later.