All Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After 56 Days In Captivity

After 56 days in captivity, all the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.

The rescue, confirmed on Friday, brings to an end weeks of anxiety for families, communities and the nation.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on X, saying: "Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies."

The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The attack sent shockwaves across the country and raised fresh concerns over the growing threat of school kidnappings in the South-West.

Tragically, one teacher was killed while attempting to shield the pupils during the attack.

In response, security agencies launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation after intelligence reports suggested that the victims were being held inside the Old Oyo National Park.

 The operation involved the military, police, intelligence agencies and the Nigerian Air Force, which provided aerial surveillance to support troops on the ground.

The abduction sparked widespread outrage, protests by parents and teachers, and a statewide strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, which was later suspended following assurances that rescue efforts were yielding results.

Although security authorities are yet to release full details of the operation, the rescue of all the remaining captives marks a major victory against criminal gangs and brings long-awaited relief to the affected families.