The students and teachers abducted by gunmen from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have restored their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed opponents assaulted Neighborhood Grade school, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Main School in the Esiele and Yawota neighborhoods, snatching 39 students and 7 instructors. One instructor was reportedly eliminated throughout the incident, which triggered nationwide outrage and forced the closure of public schools throughout Oyo State following an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Educators (NUT).
Their release brings an end to weeks of stress and anxiety for households, homeowners and education stakeholders who had repeatedly contacted the Federal Government and security companies to magnify rescue efforts. The kidnapping also activated protests and renewed issues over the growing insecurity impacting schools in the nation.
The Oyo State Government is anticipated to supply more details on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release. Earlier, the federal government had actually dismissed reports suggesting that ransom was paid to protect their freedom.