Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity
Federal Government Confirms Rescue of Victims as Security Agencies Conclude Operations in Orire
IBADAN, NIGERIA — July 10, 2026
By Poet of Afrique Reporter
The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In a statement shared via his verified X account, Onanuga confirmed that the victims had been successfully rescued by security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he stated.
He further disclosed that no concessions were made to the terrorists in securing the release of the victims.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers stormed three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
During the coordinated attacks, no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were kidnapped and taken into captivity.
The incident turned tragic when a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was reportedly killed while attempting to escape from the attackers. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly beheaded while being held by the kidnappers.
Reports indicated that the abductors had presented a four-point demand for the victims' release, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
However, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained its position that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of the victims.
The mass abduction sparked widespread concern across the country and led to a month-long strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State, as educators demanded urgent action to secure the freedom of their colleagues and pupils. The strike was eventually suspended in July amid ongoing rescue efforts.
The incident also attracted federal attention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that intensive operations were underway to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The successful rescue has brought relief to families, communities, and stakeholders who had anxiously awaited the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Authorities have yet to release full details of the rescue operation, but security agencies are expected to provide further updates in the coming days.
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