Pupils and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending nearly eight weeks in captivity. The Oyo pupils and teachers were rescued by security agencies on Friday, 10 July 2026, according to the Presidency, bringing relief to families and communities affected by the attack.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, confirmed their release 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 said.
The authorities had not released full details of the operation at the time of publication. It was not immediately clear where the victims were found, how the rescue was carried out or whether any payment was made to their captors.
Families should therefore rely on information from the government and security agencies as further details emerge. Earlier reports of the victims’ release had been denied by the police, highlighting the need to avoid unverified claims on social media.
Pupils and teachers taken from three Oyo schools
Armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities on 15 May 2026.
The schools are in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in south-west Nigeria. Some reports have also spelt the council’s name as Orire.
At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken during the coordinated attacks. The children included pupils from primary and secondary schools.
The incident led to the deaths of two teachers. Joel Adesiyan was reportedly killed while trying to escape during the attack, while Michael Oyedokun was later killed in captivity.
Security personnel were also injured during an early rescue effort after encountering improvised explosive devices. These are homemade bombs placed to injure or block people travelling through an area.
Before Friday’s announcement, the surviving captives had spent 56 days in the hands of their abductors. Their prolonged detention led to protests, calls for stronger school security and growing pressure on the federal and state governments.
Release follows weeks of rescue operations
The Nigeria Police Force, military personnel and local security groups had been involved in efforts to locate and free the victims.
President Tinubu previously condemned the killing of one of the teachers and said federal authorities were working with the Oyo State Government to secure the release of the remaining captives. Tactical and intelligence teams were also sent to the area.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers began industrial action in Oyo State to demand the victims’ safe return. The strike lasted about a month before it was suspended in July as rescue efforts continued.
The kidnappers were reported to have made several demands, including money, vehicles and the release of detained extremist commanders. However, the Oyo State Government repeatedly said it would not pay a ransom.
State officials had also denied earlier claims that money was secretly handed to the abductors. They said the public should depend on official statements rather than unconfirmed online reports.
No group has been publicly confirmed as responsible for the attack. Authorities have also not yet explained whether arrests were made during the operation or whether every surviving victim requires medical treatment.
Nigeria faces continuing school kidnapping threat
The Oyo attack renewed concern about the safety of schools in Nigeria. Large-scale school abductions have become a serious security problem, although they have historically been less common in the country’s south-west than in parts of the north.
Armed groups often target schools and rural communities because security may be limited and captives can be used to demand money or other concessions.
For the released pupils and teachers, the next stage is expected to include medical checks, counselling and reunification with their families. Children held for long periods may need psychological support even when they appear physically well.
Parents and residents should wait for confirmed information from the Presidency, Oyo State Government, police or military. Further official updates are expected to clarify the condition of the victims and the circumstances of their release.
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Alternative Headlines
- Relief as Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren and Teachers Are Freed
- Oyo School Abduction Ends as Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom
- Security Agencies Rescue Kidnapped Oyo Pupils and Teachers
