Pupils and teachers kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after more than 50 days in captivity.
The development was confirmed on Friday, 10th July, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the rescue in a post on X.
According to him, the victims were freed without any ransom payment or concessions to the abductors. He added that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while some others were neutralized.
Onanuga also revealed that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in detention and is being prosecuted.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools, Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities. At least 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attacks.
The incident turned deadly, with one teacher killed while attempting to escape and another reportedly murdered in captivity.
The abduction sparked widespread concern across the state, leading to a month-long strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers and prompting federal security intervention.
Authorities say a full account of the rescue operation will be made public in due course.
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