President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound relief and commended security agencies following the successful rescue of all schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo state, ending a 56-day hostage crisis. The joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) neutralised several bandits and led to the arrest of eight suspects, now in DSS custody.
Details of the Rescue Operation
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday, July 10, 2026, via his official X account, confirming that every abducted pupil and teacher had been freed. The rescue followed a coordinated effort by security forces, with intelligence support from the DSS. Several bandits were reportedly killed during the operation, while eight others were arrested and transferred to DSS custody for further investigation.
Recall that gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire on May 15, 2026: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomosho. Two people were killed during the attack, and at least 45 schoolchildren and teachers were taken into captivity. Three days later, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state confirmed that one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, had been killed while in captivity, describing the situation as "difficult and challenging." The attacks prompted the Oyo State Government to close schools across four local government areas as rescue operations intensified.
Tinubu Vows Justice and Relief for Victims
In a statement released through Onanuga, President Tinubu said the successful operation had brought relief to the nation and to the families of those affected. The president stated: "I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them." He also pledged accountability for those responsible, including justice for the family of teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed by his abductors while in captivity. Tinubu added: "My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered."
Furthermore, President Tinubu commended the Oyo state government for its cooperation throughout the rescue process and urged it to strengthen security around schools statewide. He directed emergency agencies to work alongside the state government to provide medical care and relief support to the freed victims.
Security Forces Progress Before Rescue
As recently as July 5, the chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu, had informed the public that troops were making "tremendous progress" towards freeing the 39 remaining schoolchildren and seven teachers still in captivity at the time. The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of joint security efforts in combating banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria.
Background on the Abduction
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Two people were killed during the initial assault, and over 45 individuals were taken hostage. The incident led to widespread condemnation and prompted the closure of schools in four local government areas as security forces intensified search and rescue operations. The rescue of all captives marks a significant victory for security agencies and brings closure to a harrowing chapter for the victims and their families.
