Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has confirmed the release, as shown in a viral video, of all the school pupils and teachers abducted in Ahoro-Esiele Community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The school pupils and their teachers were abducted some 56 days ago, precisely on 15 May, 2026.
Video of the release
The victims were kidnapped when heavily armed gunmen invaded the community, abducting 46 pupils, teachers, and the principal of a secondary school, triggering a nationwide concern.
The crisis took a tragic turn days after the abduction when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the abductors.
The video where the school principal, Mrs Rachael Folawe Alamu, was seen along with the other teachers and the pupils, had further confirmed the successful rescue of the abductees.
Mrs Alamu and the other abductees thanked President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for ensuring their safe release.
In a post shared on his verified social media accounts, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, announced that the victims were rescued by security agencies without meeting any of the demands of the terrorists.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.
“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 as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon.”
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on his X handle, @seyimakinde, also confirmed the release of the abductees, stating that the priority now was to reunite them with their families.
The governor wrote: “Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago.
“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience.
“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices.
“May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families.”
