JUST IN: Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom

All the pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State have been rescued, the Presidency has confirmed.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on X on Friday.

He wrote: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”

Victims thank Tinubu, security agencies

In a video released after their rescue, one of the victims, Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, expressed gratitude to the President and the security operatives.

“President sir, our father, we are grateful, we understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us…. And every security operatives, they tried so much and that is why we are still alive by now, God bless you,” Alamu said.

The Presidency said the rescue was carried out by security agencies, but did not provide details on how the operation was conducted or whether any ransom was paid.

Details of the abduction, including the number of pupils and teachers taken and how long they spent in captivity, were not immediately disclosed.

The rescue comes amid heightened concerns over school abductions and insecurity in parts of the country.

Authorities are yet to confirm if any suspects have been arrested in connection with the Oriire incident.