The Oyo kidnap victims have finally regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.
According to daily post, the he pupils and their teachers were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident sparked nationwide concern and renewed fears over the safety of schools.the Presidency confirmed the rescue on Friday.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on X. He said security operatives rescued all the abducted pupils and teachers during a coordinated operation.
According to Onanuga, the operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers. He added that security forces neutralised some members of the criminal gang.
However, he dismissed reports that the victims regained freedom through negotiations or a prisoner swap.
Onanuga said the government did not strike any deal with the kidnappers. He also disclosed that one of the gang leaders the criminals wanted released remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
The abduction attracted widespread attention across the country because it involved schoolchildren and their teachers. It also prompted protests and industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, with members demanding the safe return of the victims.
Meanwhile, families of the victims waited anxiously as security agencies intensified rescue efforts.
The successful operation has now ended weeks of uncertainty for the affected families. Authorities are expected to provide more information about the rescue and the condition of the victims.
