The victims of the Oyo school kidnap have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing relief to their families and ending weeks of national concern over one of the country’s most disturbing school abduction cases.
President Bola Tinubu commended the military, Department of State Services and Nigeria Police Force for carrying out the rescue operation, which also led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the neutralisation of several others.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State.
Oyo school kidnap ends with rescue operation
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the operation as intelligence-driven and carefully executed.
He praised the security agencies for securing the victims’ release without collateral damage and bringing an end to what he called a painful national ordeal.
The President said the successful rescue brought relief not only to the affected families but also to Nigerians who had followed the case with deep concern.
Tinubu added that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among the military, police and intelligence agencies.
Eight suspects arrested after Oyo school kidnap
According to the Presidency, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.
Several other members of the criminal gang were reportedly neutralised during the rescue mission.
Onanuga also dismissed speculation that the victims were released through negotiations involving the exchange of detained suspects.
He stated that the alleged kingpin whose release was reportedly demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution for his crimes.
Security agencies are expected to provide a fuller account of the operation in due course.
Tinubu promises justice for victims
President Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the Oyo school kidnap and the killing of teacher Michael Oyedokun would be brought to justice.
He expressed sympathy for the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, acknowledging the trauma they endured during the prolonged captivity.
The President directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical treatment, psychosocial care and other relief support for the victims.
He also urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Oyo State praises security agencies
The Oyo State Government described the rescue as a victory for resilience, cooperation and principled leadership.
Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the state remained committed to resisting ransom payments despite pressure to adopt a quicker approach.
According to him, paying ransom would only encourage further kidnappings and embolden criminal groups.
Oyelade said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration chose to pursue a long-term strategy focused on collaboration with security agencies and sustainable measures against kidnapping.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
School abduction shocked the nation
The Oyo school kidnap drew nationwide outrage after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from the three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Public anxiety intensified when reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, had been beheaded by the kidnappers.
The incident disrupted academic activities in Oyo State and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on an indefinite strike while demanding stronger protection for schools.
The prolonged captivity also renewed calls for tougher action against kidnapping and improved security around educational institutions nationwide.
Calls for stronger school security
Reacting to the rescue, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, praised President Tinubu and the security agencies for the successful operation.
He described the rescue as evidence of a more proactive and intelligence-driven security approach and called for the diligent prosecution of the arrested suspects.
Alli also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
The successful rescue of the Oyo school kidnap victims marks the end of a traumatic 56-day ordeal for the pupils and teachers, while renewed commitments from federal and state authorities signal intensified efforts to improve school security and combat kidnapping across the country.
