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There was widespread relief and celebration on Friday as all the pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom.
The victims, who were kidnapped by armed assailants while travelling through the Ahoro-Esiele axis of Oriire LGA, spent about 56 days in captivity before their rescue by security agencies.
The successful operation brings to an end weeks of anxiety for families, residents, and the entire state, following one of the most disturbing kidnapping incidents recorded in Oyo State in recent times.
The abduction had sparked widespread condemnation and prompted intensified security operations involving multiple agencies.
The Oyo State Government also imposed a curfew across several local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park to strengthen efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and tackling criminal activities in the area.
The incident attracted national attention, with the Federal Government deploying additional security personnel and approving the recruitment of forest guards to reinforce security in vulnerable communities.
The prolonged captivity also disrupted academic activities, leading to protests by stakeholders and industrial action by teachers’ unions, while community leaders and residents repeatedly appealed for the safe return of the victims.
With the rescue of the remaining pupils and teachers, attention is now expected to shift toward their medical evaluation, rehabilitation, and reunification with their families.
Security authorities are yet to release full details of the rescue operation, including whether any suspects were arrested or neutralised during the mission. Further official statements are expected.
