Breaking: Kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers released by bandits

The pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the release in a post on his verified X account. 

"Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors," Onanuga wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding their release, including whether any ransom was paid or if security operatives played a role in securing their freedom.

Kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers released after 56 days in captivity 

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School, Esiele; and Community Grammar School in coordinated attacks across Ahoro, Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA. The attackers abducted dozens of pupils and teachers after rounding them up from their classrooms and marching them into the forest. One teacher was reportedly shot dead during the attack while trying to protect the children, while another was later killed in captivity.

The kidnappers, described by authorities as suspected bandits, reportedly held the victims in the Old Oyo National Park, where the captives endured weeks of uncertainty. During their captivity, videos released by the abductors showed traumatised pupils and teachers pleading for help, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) described their conditions as heartbreaking and psychologically devastating for both the victims and their families.

The abduction triggered widespread outrage, prompting President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. The President also deployed a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Oriire to reassure residents and coordinate rescue operations, while the Inspector-General of Police led a technology-driven operation to secure the victims' release. The House of Representatives, the Oyo State Government and the Nigeria Union of Teachers also demanded urgent action.

Although security agencies arrested several suspected collaborators and local informants linked to the kidnappers during the investigation, authorities have yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding the victims' release or whether any ransom was paid.

The mass abduction reignited concerns over insecurity in schools and rural communities, with many residents calling for stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks in Oyo State and across the country.