July 10 (THEWILL) — The pupils and teachers abducted during a deadly attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity, bringing an end to weeks of anguish for their families and communities.
President Bola Tinubu announced the successful rescue on Friday, commending the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for carrying out what he described as a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation that secured the victims’ release without collateral damage.
The President also disclosed that eight of the abductors were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed profound relief over the outcome of the operation and praised the security agencies for their persistence throughout the 56-day rescue mission.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers”, the President said.
President Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the attack would face justice, including those linked to the killing of a teacher, Mr Oyedokun, who was murdered during the incident.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered”, he added.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the rescue efforts, urging the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.
In addition, Tinubu directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with immediate medical care, trauma counselling and other relief support to aid their recovery.
Earlier on Friday, Onanuga had announced the development in a post on his verified X account, stating: “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors.”
THEWILL recalls that the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen launched coordinated attacks on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School during school hours, abducting dozens of pupils and several teachers in one of the worst attacks on schools recorded in Oyo State in recent years.
The assault also turned deadly, claiming at least two lives. Among those killed was a teacher, Mr Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers, an act that drew widespread condemnation and renewed national concern over the safety of schools.
Following the attack, security agencies launched an intensive manhunt for the abductors, while the Oyo State Government worked with federal authorities in efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
The successful rescue marks the end of an agonising 56-day ordeal for the abducted pupils and teachers and offers a measure of relief to their families, the affected communities and the nation at large.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
