Security agencies have rescued all pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity, arresting eight suspected kidnappers and neutralising several others during the operation.
The Presidency described the rescue as the result of sustained intelligence-led operations, insisting no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place despite demands by the abductors for the release of one of their detained leaders.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed bandits attacked three schools, triggering nationwide outrage and an indefinite teachers’ strike over insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu, who had directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, commended the operatives involved and ordered emergency support for the victims while promising justice for those affected.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the rescued principal also expressed gratitude to the President and security agencies for securing the captives’ safe return.
