8 Abductors Arrested, 9 Killed During Rescue of Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers
8 Abductors Arrested, 9 Killed During Rescue of Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers
A joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Police, and DSS who successfully rescued 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State arrested eight of the abductors and neutralized nine of them. The eight suspects arrested have been handed over to the DSS.
The victims, who spent 56 days in captivity, were freed following a coordinated assault on the kidnappers’ forest hideout. Though the victims appeared weak and malnourished but expressed joy and gratitude upon release.
In a video shared by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the freed captives were seen eating hungrily, a sign of prolonged starvation. They chorused appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies.
Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, said:
“We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. Every security operative tried so much and that is why we are still alive now.”
Sources revealed that security forces sabotaged food supplies to the kidnappers’ camp, and arrested external associates, weakening the group’s negotiating power.
President Bola Tinubu praised the military, DSS, and police for their “heroic efforts” and expressed relief that the rescue was achieved without collateral damage.
Governor Seyi Makinde described the operation as “a big relief,” thanking security agencies and the press for sustained pressure.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasized that no ransom was paid, calling the rescue a vindication of the government’s principled stance against financing criminal networks.
The Oyo State Government stressed that resisting ransom demands was a deliberate choice to avoid emboldening criminal gangs. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable security measures and protecting lives and property across the state.
