……….President commends security agencies, orders medical and psychosocial support for victims, as Oyo NUT commends government
There was nationwide relief on Friday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that all pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, following a 56-day intensive security operation.
In a statement, the President disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested while several others were neutralized during the operation carried out jointly by the military, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force.
The victims were abducted on Friday, May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. A total of 46 pupils and seven teachers were taken captive during the attack.
President Tinubu described the rescue as “a major relief for the affected families and the nation,” and commended the security agencies for working tirelessly over the past 56 days to secure the victims’ freedom without collateral damage.
“The operation has brought an end to the weeks long ordeal of the victims,” the President stated. “I thank the officers and personnel of the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and the police for their professionalism and dedication.”
He also expressed sympathy to the victims, their families, and the nation over the trauma endured during captivity. The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims, particularly the family of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers who was reportedly killed while in captivity.
President Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged it to strengthen security around schools to prevent a recurrence.
He also directed emergency response agencies to work alongside the state government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with necessary medical care, psychosocial support, and other relief assistance as they recover from the ordeal.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier announced the release on his verified X handle, writing: “FINALLY, THE KIDNAPPED PUPILS AND TEACHERS IN ORIRE, OYO HAVE BEEN FREED BY THEIR ABDUCTORS.”
The development has also brought joy to teachers across Oyo State.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, the NUT Zonal Chairman in Ogbomoso, Mr. Adeyinka Adebisi, monitored by Palace Pulse, said the release brought relief to all teachers in the Ogbomoso Zone.
He expressed appreciation to both the federal and Oyo State governments as well as security agencies for their efforts to secure the freedom of the abductees.
Mr. Adebisi also rejoiced with members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State and teachers across the state for the safe return of the abductees.
However, he appealed to the Oyo State government to ensure tight security in schools across the state to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The successful rescue marks the end of a 56 day ordeal that had thrown the education community in Oyo State into mourning and fear.
Palace Pulse Desk
