The Oyo State Government on Friday confirmed the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the successful rescue was the result of patience, resilience and a firm refusal to give in to the demands of kidnappers.
The state government said it deliberately rejected what it described as a “quick-fix” approach of paying ransom, insisting that rewarding criminal groups would only encourage more kidnappings and worsen insecurity.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan shortly after news of the victims’ release was announced.
He described the return of the pupils and teachers as a major victory for the state government and security agencies after several weeks of efforts to secure their freedom.
“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” Oyelade said.
According to him, the successful rescue tested the resolve of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to confront insecurity without taking actions that could strengthen criminal groups.
He said the government came under pressure during the period of the victims’ captivity to adopt what he called a quick solution by paying ransom to the kidnappers.
However, he explained that the state government resisted the pressure because it believed that giving money to bandits would only encourage more attacks on innocent citizens.
“The successful release marked a significant test of government’s resolve against criminal elements,” Oyelade said, adding that the administration remained committed to resisting the payment of ransom despite calls from some quarters to do otherwise.
The commissioner said Governor Makinde’s decision reflected courage and a long-term strategy aimed at tackling kidnapping and banditry across Oyo State.
According to him, paying ransom might produce temporary results, but it would strengthen criminal organisations by providing them with funds to buy weapons, recruit more members and plan fresh attacks.
“Yielding to ransom demands would only encourage criminals and strengthen their operations,” he said.
He added that the government’s approach showed its determination to fight insecurity through sustainable measures instead of actions that could embolden criminal gangs seeking to destabilise the country.
Oyelade also reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
He said the government would continue to work closely with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to eliminate kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The release of the victims brought relief to families who had spent nearly two months waiting anxiously for news about their loved ones.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed men launched coordinated attacks on Community High School, L.A. Primary School, and Baptist Primary and Nursery School in communities within Oriire Local Government Area.
The gunmen invaded the schools during school hours and abducted more than 40 pupils and several teachers before escaping into nearby forests.
The attack shocked residents and triggered widespread condemnation across the country.
The situation became more tragic after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.
His death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stronger security around schools, particularly in rural communities that are often vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Following the abduction, the Oyo State Government repeatedly assured residents that it was working with federal security agencies to secure the release of all the victims.
Governor Makinde also appealed for patience while security operations continued.
On Friday, the Presidency confirmed that security forces had successfully rescued the pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
President Bola Tinubu announced that no ransom was paid and no concession was made to secure their release.
The Presidency also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation, while several others were neutralised.
According to presidential officials, the kidnappers had reportedly demanded the release of a detained terrorist commander, but the Federal Government rejected the request and continued with intelligence-led security operations.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by many Nigerians, who described it as a major achievement for security agencies.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges in recent years. While many of the attacks have occurred in the North-West and North-Central regions, incidents in parts of the South-West have raised concerns that criminal groups are expanding their activities.
Schools have increasingly become targets because kidnappers often believe they can pressure governments or families into making payments.
Both the Federal Government and several state governments have consistently maintained that they do not support ransom payments, arguing that such payments strengthen criminal networks and make kidnapping more profitable.
The Oyo State Government said its handling of the Oriire abduction reflected this policy.
Officials believe that refusing to negotiate financially with kidnappers sends a strong message that criminal groups cannot force governments to abandon the rule of law.
Although the rescue has brought relief to the affected families, authorities say the fight against kidnapping is far from over.
The state government pledged to continue investing in intelligence gathering, collaboration with security agencies and other measures aimed at preventing similar attacks in the future.
For the rescued pupils and teachers, the operation marks the end of a traumatic experience that lasted nearly two months. For the family of the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, however, the pain remains, even as both the state and federal governments have pledged that those responsible for the crime will be brought to justice.