Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After 56days in Captivity

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending close to two months in captivity.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday in a post on his verified X account.

“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors,” Onanuga wrote.

The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen raided three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire LGA. The coordinated attack shocked residents and reignited concerns over the spread of mass school kidnappings beyond Nigeria’s northern region.

During the attack, one teacher was killed while trying to protect the pupils, while another teacher was later murdered in captivity, deepening public outrage over the incident.

Authorities had yet to provide details on the circumstances surrounding their release as of the time of filing this report. It also remains unclear whether security operations, negotiations or any other intervention led to their freedom, while there has been no official confirmation on whether a ransom was paid.

The release brings relief to the families of the victims and the wider Oyo State community, who had endured months of anxiety following the abduction.

Following the incident, security agencies, including the military, police and local vigilante groups, launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations, while the Oyo State Government assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ safe return.

The victims’ release marks the end of weeks-long ordeal, although security authorities are yet to announce whether any arrests were made or if efforts are continuing to apprehend those responsible for the attack.