The Oyo State Government in south-west Nigeria has confirmed the release of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their freedom as a triumph of resilience and principled leadership.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.
“We are pleased to inform the people of Oyo State that our children and teachers abducted in Oriire have been released from captivity,” the statement said.
Oyelade described the successful rescue as a major test of the government’s resolve in tackling insecurity, noting that the state had resisted pressure to pay ransom despite calls for a quicker resolution.
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He said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remained committed to a policy of refusing ransom payments, arguing that such payments would only encourage further kidnappings and strengthen criminal networks.
According to the commissioner, the government’s approach reflects a long-term strategy to combat kidnapping and banditry through sustained collaboration with security agencies rather than measures that could embolden criminal groups.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged continued support for security operations aimed at eliminating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.
The teachers and pupils were among 46 people abducted on 15 May 2026 when heavily armed gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Nigerian security agencies announced their rescue on Friday following a coordinated operation.
