Relief as abducted Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom

The Presidency has announced the successful rescue of all pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, following a coordinated operation by Nigerian security agencies.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development, saying the victims were freed without any concession to the kidnappers.

"Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies," Onanuga said.

He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while some other members of the gang were neutralised.

Onanuga also revealed that the operation did not involve any prisoner swap or negotiation. He noted that a notorious gang leader, whose release had been demanded by the abductors, remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.

"In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon," he added.

A video shared alongside the statement showed a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits before joining the teacher in chanting, "Thank you, sir," at the end of her remarks.