Just In: Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom
The pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending about eight weeks in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed the victims’ 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.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” Onanuga wrote.
The victims were kidnapped in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area on May 15, during a coordinated attack on schools that sparked widespread outrage across the country and renewed concerns over insecurity in schools.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding their release or confirm whether any ransom was paid.
No official statement had also been issued on the condition of the victims.