46 Oyo Schoolchildren and Teachers Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity [Video]

The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending weeks in captivity, the Federal Government has announced.

Philips News reports that the development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who revealed that security agencies successfully rescued all the victims taken during the attack.

In a post shared on his verified X account, Onanuga announced the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers, describing the operation as a breakthrough in efforts to secure their freedom.

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

Updated: in the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being… pic.twitter.com/26q9himKyo

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) July 10, 2026

The presidential aide also stated that no ransom or concession was given to the abductors in exchange for the release of the victims. He praised the efforts of security personnel involved in the rescue operation but did not provide further details about how the mission was carried out.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers stormed three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The affected schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

A total of 46 people were taken during the attack, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. The incident sparked widespread concern among residents, parents and government officials, with calls for urgent action to secure the victims and prevent similar attacks.

Watch the video below…

Breaking news: Security forces have finally rescued the pupils and teachers abduct£d in Oriire LGA of Oyo State 👏 pic.twitter.com/wJ5Je2pA4P

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) July 10, 2026

Meanwhile, PhilipsNews reports that the rescue of the pupils and teachers comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings and attacks on schools have remained a major concern. Authorities have continued to assure citizens that efforts are being intensified to protect schools and bring criminal elements responsible for such attacks to justice.