Oyo Abduction: Makinde Thanks Tinubu as Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom Without Ransom

The Oyo State Government has confirmed the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area eight weeks ago, describing their rescue as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and a vindication of its policy against paying ransom to criminal groups.

The victims, who had spent weeks in captivity after being kidnapped in May, regained their freedom following coordinated efforts by security agencies.

Announcing the development in a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, expressed gratitude over the safe return of the victims and commended the security agencies for their commitment throughout the rescue operation.

"We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity," the commissioner said.

Oyelade described the successful operation as a significant test of Governor Seyi Makinde's 
administration's resolve to combat kidnapping without yielding to the demands of criminal elements.

According to him, the state government came under pressure from various quarters to negotiate with the kidnappers by paying ransom but remained firm in its position that doing so would only embolden criminal groups and encourage more abductions.

He said the administration deliberately adopted what it described as a sustainable approach to addressing insecurity rather than resorting to measures capable of strengthening kidnapping syndicates.

"The government resisted the temptation to embrace a quick-fix solution through ransom payments. Paying criminals would only finance their operations, encourage further kidnappings and undermine the fight against insecurity," the commissioner stated.

Oyelade reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, adding that the state would continue collaborating with security agencies to eliminate kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The affected schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

During the attack, the assailants kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, throwing the affected communities into panic and sparking nationwide condemnation.

The incident also claimed the life of a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, who was reportedly shot dead while attempting to escape from the attackers. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was also reported to have died while in captivity.

The abduction prompted intensified rescue efforts by security agencies and triggered widespread public concern over the safety of schools in the state.

It also led the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on a month-long strike, demanding urgent action by the authorities to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Following their release, the rescued victims expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation's security agencies for their efforts in ensuring their safe return.

In a video shared by the Presidency, one of the victims thanked the President for the intervention.

"We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us," the victim said.

The victim also commended the security personnel who participated in the rescue mission.

"Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much," the victim added.

Throughout the eight-week ordeal, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims' release, insisting that rewarding kidnappers financially would fuel organised crime and encourage further attacks.

The government said the successful rescue without the payment of ransom reinforces its commitment to tackling insecurity through coordinated security operations and long-term strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.