Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity

Abducted Oyo pupils and teachers have regained their freedom after spending weeks in captivity, with the Presidency confirming that Nigerian security agencies successfully secured the release of all the victims.

The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through a post on his verified X account.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the rescue or whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.

The abducted Oyo pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The affected schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

During the attack, no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were abducted by the gunmen.

The incident also claimed the lives of two teachers.

Joel Adesiyan was reportedly shot dead while attempting to escape during the attack, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded while in captivity.

Reports indicated that the kidnappers made a four-point demand before agreeing to release the victims. 

The demands allegedly included the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related law.

However, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the release of the victims.