Oyo kidnapped pupils rescued as presidential aide Bayo Onanuga confirms all abducted teachers and pupils have regained their freedom

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed that all the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued by security agencies.

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Onanuga announced the development on Friday through his verified social media accounts, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the victims.

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

The presidential spokesman did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the rescue or indicate whether any arrests were made during the operation.

The Oyo kidnapped pupils rescued announcement follows weeks of intensive security operations after the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The kidnapping had sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and prompted renewed calls for enhanced security around schools, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by criminal groups.

Earlier on Friday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Nureni Adeniran, welcomed the victims’ safe return, describing the development as a moment of great relief for families, schools and the wider education community.

Adeniran praised President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies for their roles in the rescue efforts, while also thanking religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who supported the victims’ families throughout the ordeal.

The rescued teachers and pupils reportedly spent 56 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.

Earlier reports also indicated that security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during operations linked to the rescue.

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The successful operation marks one of the most significant school rescue efforts in the state in recent months and comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and restore confidence in the safety of educational institutions across Nigeria.