Freedom at last: Security Forces Rescue Abducted Pupils, Teachers and Arrest Eight Suspects in Oyo

The Oyo State Government has celebrated the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their release as a victory for resilience, principled leadership, and the state’s unwavering stance against criminality.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 and spent several weeks in captivity before regaining their freedom in a security operation that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the neutralisation of some gang members.

In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, expressed gratitude over the safe return of the abductees, noting that their release marked a significant milestone in the government’s fight against insecurity.

“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” Oyelade said.

According to him, the successful rescue tested the administration’s resolve in confronting criminal elements without compromising its principles.

He stated that despite mounting pressure to adopt what he described as a “quick-fix” solution, the government remained firm in its refusal to pay ransom to kidnappers.

Oyelade said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration had demonstrated courage and foresight by rejecting ransom payments, insisting that such actions would only embolden criminal groups and fuel further acts of kidnapping and banditry.

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He maintained that the government’s strategy reflects a long-term commitment to addressing insecurity through sustainable and practical measures rather than approaches that could strengthen criminal networks seeking to destabilise society.

The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s determination to safeguard lives and property, adding that collaboration with security agencies would continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are eradicated from Oyo State.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the successful rescue operation on Friday through a post on his X handle.

According to Onanuga, security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers during the operation, while several members of the criminal gang were neutralised.

“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,” he stated.

The rescue has been widely welcomed as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and restore public confidence in the safety of schools and communities across the country.