BREAKING: Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Rescued

By Onoja Baba

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has announced the rescue of all pupils and teachers who were kidnapped during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Onanuga disclosed the development in a post on his social media platforms on Thursday, describing it as a major breakthrough by Nigeria’s security agencies.

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

The rescue brings to an end weeks of uncertainty following the abduction of staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area in May.

The incident had sparked nationwide outrage after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers while several others remained in captivity. The attack drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians, civil society groups and traditional rulers, with calls for intensified rescue efforts.

Following the abduction, President Tinubu condemned the attack and assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would work with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the release of all the victims. He also directed intensified intelligence-led operations to rescue those held captive and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Although Onanuga confirmed that all the remaining abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom, details of the rescue operation, including the circumstances surrounding their release and the condition of the victims, were not immediately disclosed. Authorities are also yet to provide information on whether any suspects were arrested during the operation.