The pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State nearly two months ago, have been rescued following a joint operation by security forces.
The development was disclosed on Friday, July 10, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X handle.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of 8 suspects, who are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security forces neutralised some members of the kidnapping gang during the rescue mission.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, by armed men who attacked three schools : Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers including a principal, were taken away during the attack.
During the incident, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in captivity.
The abduction had sparked nationwide concern. The kidnappers had demanded the release of a detained terrorist leader, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia- related laws before they would free the captives.
The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ freedom.
