By Our Reporter, With Agency Reports
- No Ransom Paid, Says FG
- 8 Suspects Arrested
- Relief, Jubilation Across Oyo
AFTER 56 days in captivity, the 46 pupils, teachers and the principal abducted during a deadly attack on communities in Oriire LGA of Oyo State have regained their freedom in a security operation that authorities say was carried out without the payment of ransom.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen invaded the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting students, teachers and the school principal in one of the state’s most disturbing attacks on educational institutions.
The incident drew widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over the safety of schools in parts of Oyo State.
Announcing the successful operation on Friday, Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said all the captives had been rescued by security forces following a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation.
According to him, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the operation.
Onanuga stressed that the government did not negotiate or offer any concession to secure the victims’ release, dismissing suggestions that ransom was paid.
He disclosed that one of the conditions allegedly demanded by the kidnappers was the release of a key gang leader currently facing prosecution, a request the government rejected.
He added that security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the rescue operation in due course.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the development, describing the rescue as a significant breakthrough in the country’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
He commended the Armed Forces, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for rescuing the victims without collateral damage, while praising their professionalism, courage and sacrifice throughout the operation.
The President assured the rescued pupils, teachers and their families that those responsible for the abduction and the killing of Mr Oyedokun during the attack would be brought to justice.
He also directed emergency response agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to provide medical treatment, psychological counselling and other forms of support to help the victims recover from their traumatic experience.
“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,” the President said, while also thanking the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts.
The Oyo State Government similarly described the successful operation as a victory for resilience and principled leadership.
Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the administration remained steadfast in its refusal to pay ransom despite mounting pressure from some quarters to adopt what he described as a “quick-fix” approach.
According to the commissioner, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration deliberately chose to resist financing criminal groups, arguing that yielding to ransom demands would only embolden kidnappers and strengthen their operations.
He maintained that the government’s strategy reflected a long-term commitment to tackling kidnapping through sustainable security measures rather than temporary solutions that could encourage further attacks.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, described the victims’ release as a tremendous relief for the state’s education sector.
He said the safe return of the teachers and pupils had brought joy to their families, classmates, colleagues and the wider education community after weeks of uncertainty.
Adeniran thanked President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and security agencies for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom. He also acknowledged the support of religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other Nigerians who sustained the affected families with prayers, advocacy and encouragement throughout the period of captivity.
While celebrating the rescue, he called for continued efforts to strengthen security around schools and ensure that educational institutions remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
News of the successful operation sparked celebrations in parts of Oyo State, particularly in Egbeda LGA, where residents gathered in jubilation, singing and praising security personnel and the Federal Government.
Many residents expressed relief that the children and their teachers had returned safely, while urging authorities to sustain efforts to rescue other kidnapping victims across the country and improve security around schools, especially in communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
Residents interviewed described the rescue as evidence of renewed commitment by security agencies to protecting citizens, although they called for more proactive measures to prevent future attacks and safeguard lives and property.
The successful rescue also attracted commendation from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party welcomed the safe return of the victims and praised the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies and all those whose efforts contributed to the operation.
While expressing relief over the outcome, the PDP urged the Federal Government to take stronger preventive measures against kidnapping, insisting that no child or teacher should be subjected to such trauma in the pursuit of education.
The party reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government.
The rescue brings an end to nearly two months of anxiety for the affected families and communities, while renewing national attention on the challenge of securing schools against criminal attacks.
Although the operation has been widely celebrated as a major security success, stakeholders across political, educational and community lines agree that sustained efforts will be required to prevent similar incidents and restore public confidence in the safety of schools across the country.
