56 Days in Captivity Ends: Security Agencies Rescue All 46 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils and Teachers

There is relief across Nigeria as all 46 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the rescue on Friday via his X account, praising security agencies for successfully ending the long-running hostage crisis. He also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were killed during the operation.

Onanuga dismissed reports claiming the victims were released through a prisoner swap, insisting there was no exchange deal. He noted that one of the terrorist leaders whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains on trial for terrorism-related offences.

The tragic incident began on May 15, when dozens of heavily armed gunmen, some dressed in military uniforms and riding motorcycles, attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso. The attackers opened fire before abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including school principal Folawe Alamu and a two-year-old child. At least one person was killed during the invasion.

President Bola Tinubu immediately condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims, while the Inspector-General of Police deployed additional detectives to support a technology-driven rescue mission.

The ordeal took a heartbreaking turn in late May when Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by the kidnappers. The gruesome act, captured in a video, shocked the nation and was reportedly carried out to discourage security operatives from advancing on the kidnappers' hideout.

After nearly two months of fear, uncertainty, and nationwide prayers, the successful rescue of all the victims has brought hope and joy to their families and the entire country. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to ensure everyone involved in the kidnapping faces justice.