The students and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga, on his verified X handle, announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.
“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors,” he wrote.
It would be recalled that the victims were abducted by the terrorists who launched a deadly attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
The schools are Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
No fewer than 42 pupils and teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed the following day by the terrorists in a bid to deter security operatives from advancing closer.
The terrorists reportedly demanded the release of two of their commanders in exchange for the abducted pupils and teachers.
Security operatives familiar with the rescue operation said that all possible exit routes from the forest were manned by soldiers, making it difficult for the terrorists to move their victims out.
In the meantime, Oyo State Government has confirmed the release of the pupils and teachers, describing their freedom as a victory for resilience and principled leadership.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
According to the statement, “We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents while continuing to work with security agencies to rid Oyo State of kidnapping and other criminal activities.