About two months after their abduction, victims kidnapped from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have finally regained their freedom.
ThelensNG reports that the victims, including staff, students, and teachers, were abducted by terrorists on May 15, 2026.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed their release in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he also shared pictures and a video in which a woman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his intervention. The children were also seen eating biscuits in the video.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
He disclosed that during the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in the custody of the DSS, while some others 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 prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
One of the rescued teachers who spoke in the video said: “We are grateful, we understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand, thank you very much. And to all the security operatives, they tried so much; that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful to you.”
“Thank you, we are so grateful. God bless you, sir,” they echoed in unison.
