The rescue of kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity has brought relief to families, officials and communities across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, opposition parties and education leaders welcomed the development, while some Nigerians called for a fuller explanation of how the operation was carried out and what will be done to prevent another school attack.
The victims were abducted in May from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Their release was confirmed on Friday, 10 July 2026, after an operation involving the military, police and intelligence agencies. Eight suspected militants were arrested, while an unspecified number were killed, according to official accounts reported by the Associated Press.
Tinubu and Makinde welcome Oyo school rescue
Tinubu said the operation ended a siege that had lasted more than 50 days and brought relief to the affected families and the country.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” the president said.
He praised the security agencies involved and said the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected attackers. The government has not yet published a full operational account showing where the victims were found or the precise sequence of events leading to their freedom.
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Makinde described the rescue as “a big relief” and thanked Tinubu and the security chiefs who took part in the effort.
“It is such a big relief for all of us,” the governor said during an appearance on Channels Television. “Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.”
The governor’s response reflected the mood among many families who had spent weeks waiting for news. The abduction also placed pressure on both the state and federal governments to show that they could protect schools and rescue the captives.
Opposition welcomes release but demands action
The Peoples Democratic Party welcomed the safe return of the pupils and teachers, but said the rescue should not end the discussion about insecurity.
The opposition party noted that the full circumstances of the operation had not been made public. It nevertheless commended those who contributed to the victims’ release and called for stronger measures to stop similar attacks.
Omoyele Sowore also welcomed the development and thanked those involved in securing the victims’ freedom. His reaction focused on relief and gratitude, although he and other government critics have continued to raise concerns about Nigeria’s wider security problems.
The Allied People’s Movement praised Makinde and the security agencies but urged the authorities to improve protection around schools, especially in communities where security coverage is weak.
These reactions show that the rescue has been broadly welcomed, but they also underline a continuing concern: bringing victims home is only one part of the government’s responsibility. Preventing another attack, prosecuting suspects and rebuilding confidence among parents are equally important.
Families celebrate as one household continues to mourn
The release brought joy to many homes, but not every family was able to celebrate.
Relatives of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, one of the teachers killed during the abduction crisis, said they were relieved that the surviving victims had returned but remained devastated by his death.
His family’s reaction highlighted the human cost of the attack. While some parents were reunited with their children, others were left with a permanent loss.
The chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board also welcomed the rescue and thanked the federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups that supported the affected communities.
Online doubts should be treated carefully
Some social media users questioned parts of the government’s account, particularly the appearance of the freed victims and the limited details initially provided about the rescue operation.
