Abducted Oyo teachers, pupils regain freedom after nearly two months in captivity
Kola Oyelere Kano
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Teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The victims, including the principal of a secondary school, were kidnapped during an attack on the schools on May 15, 2026.
The incident sparked national outrage after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.
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The abduction also triggered protests by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders, who demanded swift action from the authorities to secure the victims’ release. Several prominent Nigerians also called on the government to intensify efforts to rescue those held captive.
During the period of captivity, reports circulated that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N1 billion, the implementation of Sharia law, and the release of some detained leaders. However, one of the victims, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, dismissed the claims in a video released while she was still in captivity.
Confirming the development on Friday, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced on his X account that all the abducted teachers and pupils had been successfully rescued by security agencies.
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Details of the rescue operation were not immediately disclosed, while security authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on how the victims regained their freedom.
The successful rescue brings an end to weeks of anxiety for the victims’ families, colleagues, and communities, who had repeatedly appealed for government intervention following the May 15 abduction.