Isaac Samuel
There was widespread jubilation on Friday as pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
Videos circulating on social media captured emotional scenes as the victims were reunited with their families, friends and well-wishers, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety and uncertainty over their whereabouts.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Esiele. During the attack, one teacher was killed, while several pupils and teachers were marched into the Old Oyo National Park by the assailants.
The mass abduction triggered widespread condemnation across the country, with parents, community leaders and civil society organisations demanding swift action to secure the victims’ release.
The incident also prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike, while schools in the affected communities were shut over security concerns.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team to facilitate the victims’ release and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security around the Old Oyo National Park and other vulnerable areas.
Throughout the victims’ captivity, the Oyo State Government maintained that it would do everything within its powers to ensure their safe return and repeatedly denied reports that any ransom had been paid.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies and the Oyo State Government had yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release or confirm whether any suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction.
Further details are expected as authorities provide updates on the operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
