Segun Taiwo: July 11, 2026
ORI IRE, Oyo State — Nigerian security forces on Friday, July 10, 2026, rescued 39 schoolchildren and six teachers who were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State. One teacher died in captivity. Eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested, the presidency said.
What happened
Armed men on motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele, during school hours on May 15. They abducted pupils aged 2–16 and six teachers, including the schools’ principal.
The victims were held for 56 days. The military said the rescue was the result of a “month-long operation” involving the Army, police, DSS, and local vigilantes. Security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
Casualties and arrests
One teacher, identified by Oyo officials as Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity. The surviving 44 victims are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families, according to the military.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight kidnappers were arrested and are in custody. The military stated the arrests “completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led to the unconditional release” of the hostages.
Government response
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said his administration’s immediate priority is “to reunite the teachers and pupils with their families and provide them with rehabilitation” following their captivity. President Bola Tinubu said his government “will get justice for these children and their teachers” and for the family of the teacher killed.
Context
This is the first mass school abduction reported in southwestern Nigeria, a region that has seen fewer kidnap-for-ransom attacks on schools compared to northern states. The Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, said the kidnappers had used the children as bargaining chips, demanding the release of their detained commander.
Nationally, ransom payments remain high. Between April 2024 and May 2025, Nigerians paid an estimated N2.2 trillion to kidnappers, according to figures cited in reporting on the incident.
What remains unverified
- Ransom: Oyo State has been publicly cited as refusing to pay ransom, but no official statement in the available reporting confirms whether any payment was made by families or intermediaries.
- Group identity: The military referred to “bandits.” No group has publicly claimed responsibility, and authorities have not named the arrested suspects.
- Health status: The exact condition of the 44 survivors has not been disclosed beyond “receiving medical attention.”
We will keep you posted as we obtain more verified information on this matter
