Forgotten Dairies
46 Abducted Pupils, Teachers Freed After 56 Days in Captivity -By Faith Ogbotor
The incident triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and the country, raising fresh fears about the security of schools, particularly those in rural communities. During the attack, a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the gunmen.
Forty-six pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were released following coordinated efforts by security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Oyo State Government confirmed the development on Friday through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. He stated that the victims were freed through sustained security operations and dismissed reports that ransom was paid to secure their release.
According to the commissioner, the government remained committed to ensuring the safety of residents and would continue working with security agencies to tackle criminal activities across the state. He also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining ongoing security operations and encouraged residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School, Esiele; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly stormed the schools during school hours before marching the pupils and teachers into a nearby forest.
The incident triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and the country, raising fresh fears about the security of schools, particularly those in rural communities. During the attack, a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the gunmen.
The prolonged captivity disrupted academic activities in the affected schools and caused anxiety among parents and relatives, who repeatedly appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The return of the pupils and teachers has been welcomed by their families, the affected communities, and education stakeholders, who expressed relief while calling for improved security measures to safeguard schools against future attacks.
