The pupils and teacher abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after being rescued by security agencies.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the successful rescue of the victims.

Onanuga disclosed the development in a post on his verified X account, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping.

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

He, however, did not provide details of the operation or disclose the identities of those involved in the rescue.

The victims’ release has brought relief to their families, residents of Orire and other stakeholders who had expressed concern over their safety since the abduction.

The incident had sparked widespread anxiety in the community, with parents, traditional leaders and residents calling for urgent intervention to secure the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teacher.

Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities are yet to reveal whether they were rescued during a security operation, released after negotiations or freed under any other circumstances.

It also remains unclear whether any ransom was paid before their release.

Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue to uncover those responsible for the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the victims’ freedom.

The successful rescue comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The return of the pupils and teacher has eased tension in Orire, with residents expressing hope that authorities will strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents in schools and communities.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, nearly a month after their abduction.

Makinde made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.

According to the governor, it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were kidnapped from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, leaving families and communities in anxiety and uncertainty.

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026.

Makinde acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on affected families, stating that while the government had repeatedly assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, he understood the pain of waiting for the victims’ return.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to rescuing the abductees, stressing that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor said.

Makinde revealed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are being held somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

According to him, the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State, making rescue operations particularly challenging.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” he stated.

The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.

He assured citizens that all credible information received would be acted upon promptly by relevant security agencies.

Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified reports concerning the abduction, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their release continue.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims are safely reunited with their families and communities.

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