Olushola Omogbehin
After 56 days in captivity, the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State were finally rescued on Friday.
In the operation which was led by the military, about eight of the kidnappers were arrested while many others were neutralised.
Already, President Bola Tinubu, has expressed his joy over the successful rescue operation and praised security agencies for their gallant display.
In a State House statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday, the President ordered the military, Department of State Services and the police for working “round the clock” over the past 56 days to secure the release of the victims without payment of ransom. .
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.”
Commending the Oyo State Government for cooperating with the Federal Government during the rescue efforts, Tinubu urged the state to strengthen security around schools across the state as well as directing emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical and relief support to the rescued children and teachers.
The victims, 56 in all were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
