Pupils and teacher(s) abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity, bringing relief to their families and communities following a prolonged rescue effort.

The development was announced by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that all the kidnapped victims had been rescued by security agencies. He also shared a video message from one of the rescued teachers expressing appreciation to the President and security personnel for securing their freedom.

The victims were among more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted when armed attackers stormed schools in Oriire in May. Their release followed sustained security operations that reportedly led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while an unspecified number of others were killed during the rescue mission.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the successful operation as the end of a siege that lasted more than 50 days, commending the efforts of the security agencies and expressing relief for the affected families.

The rescue marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat school kidnappings in Nigeria, although it also underscores the continuing security challenges confronting educational institutions and communities across the country.