google.com, pub-7281745114396393, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

Excitement in Oyo as kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers regain freedom after 56days, President Tinubu and Gov Seyi Makinde break silence (Watch)

Leave a Comment / Blog / By
Excitement in Oyo as kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers regain freedom after 56days, President Tinubu and Gov Seyi Makinde break silence (Watch)

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed that all the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by security agencies, bringing an end to their 56-day captivity.

Onanuga announced the development in a post shared on his X account on Friday July 10th, 2026, writing, “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies.”

Also reacting, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, D. Olusegun, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other suspects were neutralised.

Olusegun further dismissed reports alleging that the victims were released through a prisoner exchange. According to him, there was “no quid pro quo,” noting that one of the terrorist kingpins whose release had reportedly been demanded by the kidnappers remains on trial over alleged terrorism-related offences.

Watch the moment one of the rescued teachers sends a thank-you message to Pres. Tinubu and the security agencies, see below;

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

Breaking his silence today on X, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wrote; “Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks. The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.

I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible. To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

See his post below;

Governor Seyi Makinde has suggested that there may have been foul play behind the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, noting that the incident occurred just hours after he declared his presidential ambition.

Makinde made the remarks on Friday while speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor and APM leader, Bala Mohammed, at the Government House in Bauchi.

According to the Oyo State governor, the kidnapping happened only hours after he officially announced his intention to contest the presidency.

“The insecurity you mentioned happened on May 15. For several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State,” Makinde said.

“I declared to run for the presidency at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted. We’re still dealing with all of this. Yes, we may have to do more, and we’re trying to do more.”

Makinde’s comments have fueled discussions about the timing of the attack, although he did not provide evidence to support his suspicion of foul play.

The Oyo State Governor further commended security agencies for the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area after being captivity for 56 days.

He wrote, “Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience. We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families.”

See the post below;

Watch the moment security forces rescue abducted Oyo students and teacher below;

Popular Nigerian activist VeryDarkMan sends a strong message to the presidency, stressing that they need to invest alot in the rehabilitation of the children who have been abducted by kidnappers over the past 56 days; see below;

May 15: The attack
Armed men numbering in the dozens, some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles, stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

They opened fire before seizing pupils, students and teachers, including a toddler aged two. At least one person was killed during the raid.

Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary.

In total, 39 pupils and seven teachers — 46 victims — were confirmed abducted, including the school principal, Folawe Alamu.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as barbaric and vowed a rescue operation, with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, dispatching more detectives to Oyo State to lead a technology-driven operation.

Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by his captors in a video that sparked nationwide condemnation and hardened public anger toward the government’s handling of the crisis. The killing was reportedly intended to deter security operatives closing in on the kidnappers’ camp.

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila led a federal delegation — including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and presidential aide Sunday Dare — to the affected communities.

Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed a specialised rescue unit to intensify operations.

Around this time, reports emerged that the kidnappers had opened communication channels with the state government, demanding the release of two detained Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Usman (“Abu Bara’a”) and his deputy Abubakar Abba, as a condition for freeing the victims.

June 1: NUT Declares Indefinite Strike

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike, demanding that the government secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers before schools resumed. The decision sparked solidarity protests across the state on June 2.

Early to Mid-June: False Release Reports Emerge

Several false reports claiming that the kidnapped victims had regained their freedom circulated on social media. However, the Oyo State Police Command and the state government repeatedly dismissed the claims, while independent fact-checkers also debunked the misinformation.

Late June: Ransom Claims and Growing Pressure

Public pressure mounted as social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, led protests to the Oyo State Government House, demanding urgent action. Amid speculation that ransom had been paid, the state government, through Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, consistently denied the allegations. Civil society groups also criticised the government’s handling of the crisis and called for greater accountability.

July 2: Teachers Suspend Strike

After nearly one month of industrial action, the Nigeria Union of Teachers suspended its strike following assurances from the Oyo State Government that efforts to secure the victims’ release had intensified. The union also cited concerns over the prolonged disruption to students’ academic activities.

July 8–9: Defence Minister Explains Delay

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa revealed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if security operatives attempted a forceful rescue, prompting authorities to adopt a more cautious strategy. Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu also disclosed that troops had made significant progress and identified individuals linked to the kidnappers.

July 10: Victims Regain Freedom

On July 10, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies, bringing their 56-day captivity to an end.

The Presidency also confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised.

Although the successful rescue marks the end of the prolonged ordeal, security agencies are expected to provide further details on how the operation was executed, the arrests made, and the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

FROM MICHAEL OYEDOKUN’S NIECE Identifed as Oluwabukola, she wrote; “My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pæin, feær and uncertainty. Welcome home but as others celebrate, my family m00urns

My uncle, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun will never come home. He was taken from us and his life was bryyutally cut sh0rt. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.

Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did. Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”

See her post below;

You can watch the moment Governor Seyi Makinde visits Oriire LGA kidnapping victims who were held captive for 56 days. All 39 children were safely returned while five of seven teachers were also safely returned. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

See photos and videos below;

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe
Subscribe