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By Frontline Reporters

After 56 agonising days of fear, uncertainty and national anxiety, security agencies have rescued all 46 pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing an emotional end to one of Nigeria’s most closely watched school kidnapping cases.

The intelligence-led rescue operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised as security operatives dismantled the criminal network behind the abduction.

The Presidency announced the successful operation on Friday, stressing that no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place despite repeated demands by the kidnappers.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the breakthrough in a series of posts on his verified X account.

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

He later revealed that eight members of the gang were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several of their accomplices were killed during the operation.

Onanuga dismissed reports suggesting that the victims were released following negotiations or a prisoner swap.

“There was no quid pro quo. One of the terrorists’ kingpins whose release they demanded remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he stated.

A 56-Day Ordeal Ends

The victims—18 nursery and primary school pupils, seven secondary school students and seven teachers—were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed bandits invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage, triggering protests by parents, labour unions, traditional rulers and civil society organisations demanding immediate government action.

The abduction also forced the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike over worsening insecurity in schools.

President Bola Tinubu had immediately condemned the attack, directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven rescue operations and approved the deployment of specialised security assets, including the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across Oyo State.

Makinde Praises Tinubu, Security Agencies, Media

Governor Seyi Makinde expressed overwhelming relief following the successful rescue, admitting that emotion had overwhelmed him.

“I am overjoyed and can hardly say much. I will speak later when I can gather my thoughts,” the governor said.

He commended President Tinubu, the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts in rescuing the victims without harm.

“We thank our service commanders, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the military high command and, of course, Mr. President for pushing relentlessly until this operation succeeded,” Makinde stated.

The governor also acknowledged the crucial role played by journalists in sustaining public attention throughout the 56-day ordeal.

“We are grateful to the press for keeping the pressure on everyone until we reached this point. The media ensured that the rescue mission never lost momentum,” he said.

Oyo Rejects Ransom Payments

In a statement, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the rescue as a victory for principled leadership and intelligence-led security operations.

He said the state government resisted enormous pressure to pay ransom, insisting that rewarding kidnappers would only strengthen criminal networks and encourage further attacks.

“Our children and teachers have returned safely, and this demonstrates that sustainable security strategies, not ransom payments, remain the best path to defeating criminality,” Oyelade said.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to eliminate kidnapping and violent crimes across Oyo State.

‘Our Father, We Thank You, Mr. President’

One of the emotional moments following the rescue came in a viral video featuring the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu.

Speaking on behalf of the rescued teachers and pupils, she thanked President Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for securing their freedom.

“Our father, Mr. President, we are grateful. We appreciate your commitment to our safety. Every security operative tried so hard, and that is why we are alive today. May God continue to bless you,” she said.

The 38-second video showed the rescued children and teachers smiling, sharing biscuits and expressing gratitude after weeks of hardship in captivity.

Celebrations Erupt Across Ogbomoso

News of the successful rescue sparked jubilation across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, where residents poured into the streets to celebrate the safe return of the abductees.

Markets, transport hubs and business centres, previously subdued by weeks of fear and protests, came alive as residents hailed the security agencies for ending the crisis.

“We have not slept peacefully since May, but today God has wiped away our tears,” said trader Samuel Adebayo at Akunko Market as celebrations spread across the town.

Residents also lined major roads to welcome military vehicles conveying the rescued victims back to safety.

Despite the celebrations, community leaders urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to establish permanent security presence around rural schools.

“Our hearts are filled with joy, but government must ensure this never happens again. Permanent security should be deployed to vulnerable schools so our children can learn without fear,” community leader Chief Amos Olayanju said.

The successful rescue has been widely hailed as a major victory for Nigeria’s security forces and a significant blow against kidnapping syndicates operating in the South-West, while renewing calls for stronger protection of schools and rural communities nationwide.

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