Oyo school abduction: Eight arrested, others killed

…as Oyo Pupils, Teachers regain freedom

By Taiwo Scholastica

The Nigerian Presidency has disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested, while several others were killed during the rescue operation.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a follow-up post on his verified X handle on Friday, shortly after confirming the successful rescue of the victims.

According to Onanuga, the security operation was carried out without any concessions to the abductors, despite their demand for the release of one of their leaders.

He explained that the alleged kingpin remains in custody and is facing prosecution for terrorism-related offenses.

His post reads: “Updated: 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, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon.”

Onanuga added that security agencies would provide a detailed account of the rescue operation in due course.

The pupils and teachers had spent 56 days in captivity after armed men attacked schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

During the attack, one teacher was killed, while another was later beheaded in a video released by the kidnappers, an incident that triggered widespread condemnation across the country.

The successful rescue of the victims has brought immense relief to their families and residents, while authorities continue their investigations into the kidnapping network.