The pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, bringing relief to their families, the state government and many Nigerians who had followed the incident with concern.
The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In a post on his verified X account, Onanuga confirmed that the victims had been rescued by security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
His announcement ended days of uncertainty over the fate of the victims, who were abducted during an attack that sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the security of schools in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released further details about the rescue operation.
It was not immediately clear where the victims were rescued, whether any arrests had been made or whether any ransom was paid before they regained their freedom.
Security agencies have also not disclosed the identities or number of the victims released.
The abduction occurred in Orire Local Government Area, where armed men attacked and kidnapped pupils and teachers, prompting a major security response.
The incident drew strong reactions from government officials, parents, civil society groups and education stakeholders, who called for the immediate rescue of the victims and stronger measures to protect schools from criminal attacks.
Following the abduction, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents that the government would work closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of everyone taken by the kidnappers.
The governor also urged residents to remain calm while security forces intensified efforts to track down the abductors.
Security personnel, including the military, police and other agencies, launched coordinated operations in the affected area and surrounding communities in search of the victims.
Although details of the operation remain undisclosed, the announcement by the Presidency indicates that the efforts eventually led to the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The latest development is expected to bring relief to parents and relatives who had spent anxious days awaiting news about their loved ones.
School abductions have remained a major security challenge in parts of Nigeria over the past decade.
Several states, particularly in the northern part of the country, have witnessed mass kidnappings of students and teachers by armed groups seeking ransom or other concessions.
While Oyo State has experienced fewer school abductions than some northern states, the Orire incident raised fresh concerns that kidnapping is spreading to areas previously considered relatively safe.
The Federal Government and state governments have introduced several measures in recent years to improve the safety of schools, including the Safe Schools Initiative, increased security around educational institutions and closer collaboration with local communities.
Although the victims have now regained their freedom, many questions remain unanswered.
Authorities are yet to explain how the rescue was carried out or whether the abductors have been arrested.
There has also been no official confirmation on the medical condition of the rescued pupils and teachers or when they will be reunited with their families.
Many Nigerians have continued to call on the government to strengthen security across the country and ensure that schools remain safe places for learning.
As investigations continue, attention is expected to shift toward ensuring the rescued victims receive the medical care, counselling and psychological support they may need after spending time in captivity.
The successful rescue of the pupils and teachers is welcomed across Oyo State and beyond, even as Nigerians continue to demand stronger action against kidnapping and other forms of violent crime affecting communities across the country.