The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, according to the Presidency.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his verified X account on Friday, stating that security agencies secured the victims’ release.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
He added that no concessions were made to the abductors to secure the victims’ freedom.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
According to authorities, 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken during the attacks.
The incident claimed the lives of two teachers. Joel Adesiyan was reportedly killed while trying to escape during the attack, while Michael Oyedokun was later confirmed dead in captivity.
The abduction sparked widespread concern across the country and prompted a month-long strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State. Security agencies had maintained that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing, while the Oyo State Government consistently stated that it would not pay ransom for their release.
