By Constance Adaurie
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained freedom.
The presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Friday said, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
He said: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies.”
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Esiele.
During the attack, a teacher was killed, while several pupils and teachers were whisked away into the Old Oyo National Park.
