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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The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnapping attack targeting students.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The closure followed a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which reportedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to intelligence reports, the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.

The report indicated that the suspects believed abducting students could attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments.

Security concerns heightened after the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community.

Authorities said the suspect’s activities raised fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

In response, the DSS advised security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable communities across Edo North.

The agency also recommended increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters, as well as intensified surveillance and patrol operations.

Explaining the government’s decision, Otamere said the Ministry of Education received credible intelligence and security advisories indicating threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” he stated.

He noted that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives and property.

The permanent secretary, however, clarified that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to access their examination centres under strict security arrangements.

According to him, security agencies and community stakeholders have been mobilised to ensure the safety of candidates during the examination period.

Otamere directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain communication with relevant authorities.

He also appealed to parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged kidnapping incident at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja, describing the claim as a false alarm.

The Command said investigations conducted after the incident found no evidence of any abduction, suspect or victim within the school premises or surrounding areas.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that officers attached to the Nyanya Division received a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday alleging that kidnappers had invaded the school.

According to her, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nyanya Division immediately deployed officers and surveillance teams to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Adeh said preliminary findings revealed that some pupils suddenly began shouting “kidnappers” and ran out of the school premises, creating panic among teachers, parents and members of the surrounding community.

She noted that security operatives swiftly cordoned off the school and conducted an extensive search of the premises.

“Following extensive search and questioning of persons within and around the school premises, no kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted, and no victim was identified,” she stated.

The police spokesperson added that officers also searched nearby hills, boundaries and adjoining areas while precautionary visits were made to neighbouring schools as part of security measures.

She urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating fear and unnecessary tension within communities.

“The Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities,” Adeh said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency response channels.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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