UPDATE: Oyo School Principal, Teachers, and Pupils Regain Freedom After 56 Days in Captivity 

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The principal, teachers, and pupils of the Baptist High School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who were abducted by gunmen in May, have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

On July 10, 2026, the presidency made the announcement, revealing that eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation, while several others were neutralised, and the rescue was carried out without any negotiation or concession to the abductors.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while others were neutralised. The statement added that all the victims were rescued safely without collateral damage after more than 50 days in captivity.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies. 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 whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities.”

The rescue was followed by an emotional message from the school principal, Ms Folawe Rachael Alamu, who expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies in a video recorded shortly after they regained their freedom. Speaking on behalf of the rescued teachers and pupils, she said they appreciated the efforts made to secure their release after nearly two months in captivity.

“Hello, sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” she said, as the rescued pupils joined her in chanting, “Thank you, sir.”

Naija Feminists Media had earlier reported that armed men invaded the school on May 15, abducting the principal, teachers, and pupils while demanding a ransom for their release. 

Confirming their rescue on Friday, President Bola Tinubu said security operatives successfully secured the victims’ release through a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

President Tinubu described the rescue as a relief for the affected families and the country, while expressing sympathy for the victims over the trauma they endured during the abduction.

He also pledged that those responsible for the attack would face justice, including over the killing of Mr Oyedokun, who was murdered during the incident.

The President commended the Oyo State Government for cooperating with federal authorities throughout the rescue efforts and directed emergency agencies to work with the state government to provide medical care and other support services for the rescued pupils and teachers.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on July 10, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also welcomed the victims’ release and praised the security agencies for their efforts.

“We will use this opportunity to thank our service commanders, the Nigerian Police, DSS, the military, and of course, the President for pushing really hard to get this done,” Makinde said.

The governor also urged continued efforts to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.