Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has welcomed the safe rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area after 56 days in captivity. The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities, taking more than 40 pupils, students and teachers. One teacher was killed during the attack, and another reportedly died while in captivity.
Makinde, in a statement posted on his official social media page on Friday, said the state government's immediate focus was reuniting the rescued individuals with their families and providing medical, psychological and social support. "Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience," he said.
He commended the military, police, intelligence services and other security personnel involved in the operation, acknowledging the sacrifices made. "We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families," Makinde added.
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the successful joint military, police and intelligence operation, stating that the rescue was carried out without collateral damage. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, and several others were neutralised during the mission. The Oyo State Government had previously indicated that intelligence placed the victims within the Old Oyo National Park, where surveillance and rescue efforts were intensified. The state also acquired surveillance aircraft to support search operations and improve security in vulnerable areas.
Seyi Makinde praised security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers, yet offered no explanation for why the surveillance aircraft acquired by the state did not prevent the initial attack or shorten the 56-day ordeal. The two teachers who died—one during the raid, another in captivity—belonged to communities now left to mourn while awaiting answers on how such a large-scale abduction could occur in the first place. The governor's focus on post-rescue support does not address the failure to protect the schools when the threat was already known.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
