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Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom
School pupils and teachers who were abducted by armed men in Oriire local government area of Oyo State have finally regained freedom.
This was disclosed in a statement by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” he said.
According to Onanuga, 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), noting that no concessions were made to the kidnapper during the operation.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. 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 added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, one of the teachers was seen appreciating President Bola Tinubu alongside the schoolchildren who were chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“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. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, reacting to the development, expressed relief over the release of the schoolchildren and teachers.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told newsmen.
Armed men had on May 15 invaded three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire local government area, abducting at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal.
A teacher was shot dead and another beheaded by the kidnappers from later reports, sparking protests among teachers in the state and renewed calls for stronger security around schools.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had described the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman,” with the union later holding a nationwide rally calling for the rescue of the victims.
Details later…
