Presidency Confirms Release Of Ogbomoso Schoolchildren

The Presidency has confirmed the release of all pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists during the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday, in a post on X, stating that the victims were rescued by Nigerian security agencies after weeks in captivity.

He also shared a video showing one of the rescued teachers expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.

The mass abduction occurred on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles and dressed in military camouflage invaded three schools—Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele.

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The attackers reportedly fired gunshots to create panic before whisking away dozens of pupils, including toddlers as young as two years old, along with at least seven teachers.

The victims were taken into the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has become notorious for the activities of armed criminal groups.

The attack triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria and heightened concerns over the safety of schools in the South-West.

Following the abduction, many parents withdrew their children from schools, while the Nigerian Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, demanding urgent government intervention to guarantee the safety of teachers and pupils.

Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps and local hunters, subsequently launched coordinated rescue operations, engaging the abductors in several gun battles during efforts to free the victims.

Although the Presidency confirmed that all the victims have regained their freedom, it did not disclose whether any ransom was paid or provide details of the operation that led to their rescue.