Pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday, saying the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by security agencies. He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while others were neutralised during the operation.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in the Ahoro-Esiele community. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity.
The abduction triggered widespread concern, protests and a teachers’ strike, while security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release amid repeated ransom demands.
President Bola Tinubu commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for the successful operation and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.
