The schoolchildren and teachers abducted several weeks ago in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, bringing relief to their families, the state government, and Nigerians who had followed the incident with growing concern.
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, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been freed by their abductors," Onanuga wrote.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle community of Orire Local Government Area, an incident that shocked the nation and renewed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in vulnerable communities.
The kidnapping sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians, with parents, education stakeholders, civil society organisations, labour unions, and community leaders calling for swift action to secure the victims' release. The incident also triggered protests across Oyo State, including demonstrations led by social activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alongside members of the RATEL movement, who demanded urgent government intervention.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had repeatedly assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly behind the scenes to rescue the victims safely, urging the public to remain patient and avoid actions that could jeopardise ongoing operations.
Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities are yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding their release. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation on whether any ransom was paid or whether security operatives carried out a rescue operation.
Government officials have also not released details regarding the health condition of the pupils and teachers or whether they will receive medical and psychological support following their ordeal.
The abduction had intensified national conversations about insecurity in schools and prompted renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect educational institutions, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Many Nigerians have expressed relief over the victims' freedom while urging both the federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security architecture to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Further details are expected as security agencies and the Oyo State Government provide additional information on the victims' release and subsequent reunification with their families.
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