No fewer than 39 pupils and five teachers abducted by bandits from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, while the fate of one remaining teacher has yet to be disclosed by the authorities.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed the development on Saturday after visiting the rescued victims at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.
Makinde said the rescued victims would remain under medical observation for 48 hours before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for rehabilitation.
“The rescued victims will remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which an assessment will be conducted before their formal transfer from military authorities to the Oyo State Government for further management and rehabilitation,” he said.
The governor confirmed that all 39 abducted pupils and five teachers had been rescued, describing their return as a moment of relief for the state.
He noted that many of the victims appeared physically weak and would require medical treatment and psychosocial support to recover from the trauma of their prolonged captivity.
Makinde also disclosed that arrangements were being made for family members to reunite with the rescued victims, revealing that one of the young girls had repeatedly asked to see her mother since regaining her freedom.
The governor further revealed that some security operatives lost their lives during the rescue mission, describing their sacrifice as heroic and extending condolences to their families.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was captured and later beheaded by the bandits, a development that shocked the nation and intensified calls for the victims’ rescue.
With the latest operation, five of the seven abducted teachers have been rescued, while the authorities have yet to disclose the status of the remaining teacher.
The names of the seven abducted teachers and staff were Mrs. Alamu Folawe (Principal, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele), Mr. Ojo Jonathan (Vice Principal), Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus (Teacher), Mr. John Olaleye (Teacher), Mr. Michael Oyedokun (Teacher – Deceased), and Mrs. Oladeji (Teacher)
