JUST IN: Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity

The pupils and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been freed after spending several weeks in captivity.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development on Friday in a post on his verified X account.

"Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies," Onanuga wrote.

Authorities have yet to provide further details on how the victims were released. It remains unclear whether security forces secured their freedom through an operation, negotiations, or if any ransom was paid.

The victims were kidnapped 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 Oriire Local Government Area.

A total of 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven members of staff, among them a school principal, were taken during the attacks.

The incident also claimed the lives of two teachers. Joel Adesiyan was reportedly shot while trying to flee the attackers, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while being held by the kidnappers.

During the standoff, the abductors were reported to have demanded the release of detained members of their group, a ransom payment, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws before freeing the captives.

Throughout the crisis, the Oyo State Government insisted it would not pay ransom for the victims' release.

The mass abduction sparked widespread concern across the country and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on a strike action, demanding the safe return of the victims. The union later suspended the strike in July following assurances from security agencies.

The Federal Government, alongside the military and police, had repeatedly stated that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing before Friday's announcement confirming their release.