For the first time in 56 days, families in Oriire celebrated instead of praying for a miracle as security operatives rescued all pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State.
The Presidency said the victims were freed following sustained security operations that also foiled attempts by the kidnappers to secure the release of one of their detained leaders.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on his verified X account.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
The victims comprised 18 nursery and primary school pupils, seven secondary school students and seven teachers, who had been held in a vast forest reserve since their abduction.
According to Onanuga, eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he said.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed bandits attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident triggered nationwide outrage and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State over growing insecurity in schools.
Following the abduction, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered intensified intelligence-led operations, approved the deployment of specialised rescue assets and authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in Oyo State.
Reacting to the rescue, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed joy over the development.
“I think I am just right now overjoyed and I can hardly say much. I will talk much later when I can put my thoughts together,” he said.
In a viral video recorded after the rescue, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, thanked President Tinubu and security operatives.
“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,” she said.
The rescue sparked celebrations across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, with residents trooping into the streets in jubilation.
“We have not slept with our two eyes closed since May, but today, God has wiped away our tears and given us reasons to dance again,” said Samuel Adebayo, a trader at Akunko Market.
Despite the celebrations, community leaders called for permanent security around rural schools to prevent future attacks.
