The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released, ending nearly two months in captivity.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on X on Friday.
“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors,” he posted.
The brief statement did not provide details on the circumstances of the release, ransom, or the condition of the victims. Security agencies are yet to issue an official update.
The victims were taken on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire LGA. A total of 39 pupils and 7 teachers were marched into the forest by the attackers.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage and prompted a multi-agency security operation in Oyo and neighboring states.
Giving insight into the rescue efforts on Wednesday, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the bandits used the children as bargaining chips to demand the release of their commanders detained by the military.
In a preview clip of an interview with News Central shared ahead of its Friday broadcast on NC Exclusive, the minister said, “For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.”
Gen. Musa added that troops faced a difficult dilemma during the operation.
“And now they’re threatening when we wanted to take action against them that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he said.
The Defence Minister also used the interview to call for stiffer penalties for kidnapping.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he stated, backing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers.
