After 56 Days in Captivity, Tinubu Reveals How Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers Were Finally Rescued

President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief and joy following the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending Nigeria’s security agencies for ending more than seven weeks of uncertainty for the victims and their families.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for conducting what he described as a coordinated intelligence-led operation that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.

According to the Presidency, the operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the rescue mission. The government also maintained that the victims were rescued without collateral damage.

President Tinubu described the operation as a significant victory against criminal elements, noting that it brought an end to a tense standoff that had kept the nation anxiously awaiting the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teachers.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, 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,” the President said.

The President acknowledged the emotional pain endured by the rescued children, their teachers, their families and Nigerians throughout the period of their captivity, describing the ordeal as deeply distressing.

He also pledged that those responsible for the abduction would face justice, including accountability for the killing of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly murdered by the kidnappers during the incident.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” Tinubu stated.

The President commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with federal security agencies throughout the rescue operation, saying the partnership contributed significantly to the successful outcome.

He further urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

As part of the Federal Government’s response, President Tinubu directed emergency management agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care, trauma support and other relief services for the rescued children and their teachers.

The rescue marks the end of a 56-day ordeal that attracted nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools from criminal attacks.

Security agencies are expected to provide a detailed account of the rescue operation and the arrests in the coming days.