Oyo abduction: Pupils, teachers regain freedom as 8 kidnappers arrested, others killed

All the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending over 50 days in captivity, with security agencies arresting eight suspected kidnappers and killing others during a rescue operation.

The development was confirmed on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a series of posts on his verified X handle.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga announced in an initial update.

Providing further details in a follow-up post, the presidential aide disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping syndicate were apprehended during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised by security operatives.

According to him, no ransom or concession was made to secure the victims’ release.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue,” he stated.

Onanuga further revealed that one of the key demands made by the abductors — the release of a detained kingpin — was rejected by authorities. He noted that the suspect remains in custody and is being prosecuted for terrorism-related offences.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, when gunmen attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire LGA, sparking nationwide outrage and criticism over the government’s response.

The incident had taken a tragic turn following reports that one of the abducted teachers was killed and another beheaded while in captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to release full details of how the operation was carried out. However, Onanuga said a comprehensive account of the rescue mission would be made public in the coming hours.

The successful rescue is being seen as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and violent crimes in Oyo State and across the country.