By Emmanuel Onyedika
All the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on the Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released, the Presidency confirmed on Friday
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his verified X handle: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”
The abductions occurred when armed men attacked three schools, Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities. No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken. During the attack, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape, while another, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in captivity.
The kidnappers had reportedly issued a four-point demand, including ransom payment, release of detained terrorist commanders, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and implementation of Sharia-related law. The Oyo State Government consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid.
Onanuga disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He added that some of the abductors were neutralised during the operation, stressing that no concessions were made. “There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he said.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu: “Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you.”
The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.