President Bola Tinubu on Friday commended the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, after 56 days in captivity.
The President also praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation during the rescue operation, describing the successful mission as a major relief for the nation and the affected families.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were rescued during a coordinated military, police and intelligence operation carried out without collateral damage.
The statement disclosed that eight suspected abductors were arrested during the operation, while several others were killed.
Tinubu said the successful rescue marked the end of more than 50 days of uncertainty following the abduction of the pupils and teachers.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, 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,” the President said.
He added, “This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”
Tinubu vowed that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Mr Oyedokun, who was reportedly murdered by the abductors during the period of captivity.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
He further directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing immediate medical treatment, psychological counselling and other relief support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and took dozens of pupils and teachers hostage, triggering nationwide outrage and sustained rescue efforts by security agencies.
