The students and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through a post on his verified X account, confirming that the victims had been released by their captors.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed terrorists attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area, namely Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
During the attack, at least 42 pupils, teachers and a school principal were taken hostage.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day after the abduction in what was believed to be an attempt by the terrorists to discourage security forces from pursuing them.
The kidnappers were said to have demanded the release of two of their commanders in exchange for the captives.
Security sources involved in the operation disclosed that troops strategically secured the major exit routes around the forest, making it difficult for the abductors to move the victims to other locations.
As of the time of the victims’ release, there had been no official statement from the government explaining the circumstances surrounding their freedom, and it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid.
