Makinde hails rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers after 56 days

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude over the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, describing their return after 56 days in captivity as a moment of relief for their families and the entire state.

In a statement posted on his official social media page on Friday, the governor said the immediate priority of the state government was to reunite the rescued victims with their families and provide the medical, psychological and social support needed to help them recover from the traumatic experience.

“Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” Makinde said.

The governor also commended the military, police, intelligence services and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, acknowledging the sacrifices made during the mission.

“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families,” he added.

The rescue brings to an end a tense 56-day ordeal that began on May 15, when armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting more than 40 pupils, students and teachers. During the attack, one teacher was killed, while another was later reportedly murdered in captivity, deepening public outrage and grief.

The abduction sparked nationwide concern because it marked a significant spread of the school kidnapping crisis into Nigeria’s South-West, a pattern previously more common in northern states. Families of the victims, labour unions and civil society groups repeatedly demanded urgent action from the authorities as the captives remained in the custody of their abductors for nearly two months.

Throughout the period, the Oyo State Government maintained that intelligence reports indicated the victims were being held within the vast Old Oyo National Park, where security agencies carried out coordinated surveillance and rescue operations.

Makinde had also disclosed that the state acquired surveillance aircraft to strengthen the search efforts and improve security across vulnerable areas.

President Bola Tinubu earlier confirmed that the joint military, police and intelligence operation secured the safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers without collateral damage.

He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation.