Security forces rescue 39 pupils, seven teachers; one teacher killed; no ransom paid, says Presidency
Abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, sparking celebrations across Ogbomoso and beyond, even as the family of a slain teacher continues to mourn.
The victims – including 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School – were rescued on Friday through a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, the Presidency confirmed.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and several others neutralised during the operation. He stressed that the Federal Government did not negotiate with the abductors nor accede to their demand to release a Boko Haram commander facing terrorism charges.
President Bola Tinubu commended the security agencies, describing the rescue as a major achievement after nearly two months of intensive intelligence-led efforts. He directed emergency agencies to provide medical care and psychological support for the rescued victims and vowed that justice would be served for both the survivors and the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded shortly after the abduction.
In a video released after the rescue, Community High School principal Mrs. Rachael Folawe expressed gratitude on behalf of the victims, saying the security forces’ efforts saved their lives.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as a huge relief for families and the entire state. He praised the President, the military, the DSS, the police, and the media for sustaining efforts that eventually led to the successful outcome.
However, the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, said their joy remained incomplete. His niece noted that while many families welcomed their loved ones home, her family continued to mourn a painful loss.
Senator Ali Ndume welcomed the rescue but urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to free many other kidnapping victims still being held in Borno State and other parts of the country. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) called on the government to explain the circumstances surrounding the teacher’s death and strengthen security around schools, especially in rural communities.
Opposition parties – including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore – praised the rescue while calling for stronger security measures to prevent future school abductions.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked the three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Rescue efforts were complicated by the difficult terrain of the Old Oyo National Park and the kidnappers’ constant movement. Reports indicated that the terrorists had demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders in exchange for the captives, but the government refused before eventually securing the victims’ freedom through military and intelligence operations.