The pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
Titansloaded reports that the victims were rescued on Friday evening during a security operation, with sources indicating that several terrorists were neutralised in the process.
The abductees were among the 46 victims—39 pupils and seven teachers—kidnapped on May 15 when heavily armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area.
During their captivity, one of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed, while security agencies intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
According to reports, the terrorists held the victims deep inside the Old Oyo National Park, a vast forest reserve linked to the Kainji National Park, where remnants of a Boko Haram faction had reportedly relocated after being displaced by military operations in northern Nigeria.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier described the abduction as evidence of changing security threats in the country, warning that sustained military offensives against terrorists and bandits in the North-West were forcing criminal groups to migrate towards southern states.
The governor also disclosed that security personnel encountered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the kidnappers during rescue operations, leaving some operatives injured.
He further revealed that six suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack, stressing the need for southern states to strengthen security measures against fleeing terrorist groups.
The mass abduction sparked nationwide outrage, prompting protests by civil society organisations, including the Take-It-Back Movement, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) also organised demonstrations demanding the immediate rescue of the victims. Teachers in Oyo State equally embarked on a strike to protest the incident.
Earlier, the Defence Headquarters identified the kidnappers as members of a Boko Haram faction displaced from their former strongholds.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had disclosed that the terrorists demanded the release of some detained terror commanders in exchange for the captives and threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempted a rescue.
Confirming the successful operation, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development on social media.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote while sharing photographs of the freed victims.
In a video accompanying the announcement, the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Alamu Folawe, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
“The President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful to you,” she said.
Folawe had previously appeared in videos released by the kidnappers, pleading with the government to meet the terrorists’ demands to save their lives.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, also confirmed the successful rescue during a telephone interview, adding that authorities would provide more details about the operation in due course.
The release of the victims marks the end of a traumatic 56-day ordeal and brings relief to their families, the affected communities, and Nigerians who had followed the case with deep concern.
