According to a statement on X on Friday, July 10, 2026, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, announced today that the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have finally been freed by their captors.
In a statement that brought relief to families and the nation, Onanuga declared, “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors.”
The veteran journalist and presidential aide described the release as a significant breakthrough after weeks of tension, expressing gratitude to security agencies for their relentless efforts.
The abduction took place on May 15 when armed men launched coordinated attacks on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities. Gunmen seized approximately 39 students and seven teachers, throwing entire communities into fear and sparking nationwide outrage.
One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed during the initial assault. For nearly two months, the victims remained in captivity, with reports indicating the bandits used them as human shields while hiding in the Old Oyo National Park….See More