BREAKING: Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After 56 Days in Captivity

By Daniel Othegbemeh

Forty-six pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing relief to their families, the affected communities and education stakeholders.

The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were released after weeks of intensive efforts by security agencies and other stakeholders.

The Oyo State Government confirmed their release in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

According to the government, the victims regained their freedom through coordinated security efforts.

It, however, dismissed reports that ransom was paid, insisting that the release was achieved without any payment to the abductors.

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The government also urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of undermining ongoing security operations and encouraged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with credible intelligence.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly stormed the schools during school hours before herding the pupils and teachers into a nearby forest.

The incident sent shockwaves across Oyo State and beyond, raising fresh concerns over the safety of schools, particularly those in rural communities. During the attack, one teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the gunmen.

The prolonged captivity of the victims disrupted academic activities in the affected communities, while parents and relatives repeatedly appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe return.

The abduction also prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike, demanding urgent action to rescue the victims and improve security in schools. The union later suspended the industrial action following engagements with the state government.

Although the government did not disclose the operational details that led to the victims’ freedom, it described their release as a significant breakthrough and commended the efforts of security personnel and other stakeholders involved in securing their safe return.

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Authorities said investigations into the abduction would continue with a view to apprehending those responsible and preventing similar incidents.

The release has also renewed calls for stronger security around schools and other learning institutions, especially in vulnerable rural communities, to ensure that pupils and teachers can carry out their academic activities without fear.