39 Oyo Pupils, Seven Teachers Freed After Weeks In Bandits’ Den
Relief swept across Oyo State on Friday as the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted by armed bandits during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle community, forcing dozens of pupils and teachers into the forest. (punchng.com)
Their release followed weeks of coordinated efforts by security agencies and government officials to secure their freedom without exposing them to further danger.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage and prompted protests by civil society organisations, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State declared an indefinite strike to demand urgent action from the government.
The incident also drew the attention of the Federal Government, with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, revealing earlier that security forces avoided launching an offensive against the kidnappers after receiving intelligence that the bandits had threatened to kill the hostages if troops approached their hideout.
Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities have yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding their release or whether any ransom was paid.
Government officials are expected to reunite the pupils and teachers with their families after medical examinations and necessary counselling following their ordeal.
Security agencies have also not confirmed whether any suspects were arrested in connection with the mass abduction, but investigations into the incident are continuing.
The release brings to an end nearly two months of uncertainty for the affected families and communities, who had repeatedly appealed to the authorities to ensure the safe return of the victims.