BREAKING: Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After 56 Days in Captivity

All the pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety for their families and the wider community.

The announcement was made on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through his verified X handle.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The attackers abducted dozens of pupils, students and teachers during the coordinated assault. A teacher was killed during the attack, while another was later reported to have been murdered in captivity, triggering widespread outrage across the country.

Following the abduction, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims, with the Inspector-General of Police deploying the Intelligence Response Team alongside other tactical units to work with military personnel and local security outfits.

The Presidency repeatedly assured families that the Federal Government would not relent until every victim was rescued.

At different stages of the operation, security agencies dismissed several reports circulating on social media claiming the victims had regained their freedom, insisting that rescue efforts were still ongoing and urging the public to rely only on verified information.

The prolonged captivity sparked protests by parents, teachers and residents, while concerns also grew over the safety of schools in parts of Oyo State.

Although Friday’s announcement confirmed that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued, the Presidency did not disclose the circumstances surrounding their release or whether any suspects were arrested during the operation.

Security agencies are also yet to issue detailed operational accounts of the rescue.

The successful rescue brings relief to families who had spent nearly two months waiting for the safe return of their loved ones after one of the most disturbing school attacks recorded in the South-West this year.