Oyo Teachers Celebrate Release of Abducted Colleagues, Pupils, Commend Security Agencies

Teachers in Oyo State have expressed relief and joy following the safe return of their colleagues and pupils who were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing the development as a victory for humanity and a major relief for affected families.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, welcomed the rescue of the victims after they spent several weeks in captivity, while appreciating the efforts of security agencies and authorities involved in the operation that led to their freedom.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed assailants attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Esiele, where pupils and teachers were taken away by the attackers.

The attack generated widespread concern across Oyo State and Nigeria, with parents, teachers, community leaders, and civil society organisations calling for urgent action to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Following a coordinated rescue operation involving security agencies, the abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity.

The NUT described the release as a significant moment of relief for the education community, noting that the safe return of the victims had brought comfort to their families, colleagues, and the entire teaching profession in the state.

The teachers commended the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies for their commitment towards securing the victims’ freedom and ensuring that the prolonged ordeal came to an end.

The union also acknowledged the courage and sacrifices of security personnel who participated in the rescue mission, stressing that their efforts demonstrated the importance of coordinated action in tackling criminal activities.

The rescue operation has been described as a major relief for Oyo residents, especially communities around Oriire Local Government Area, where the abduction had created fear and anxiety among parents and school authorities.

The incident had earlier raised concerns about the safety of schools in the South West, as the attack marked one of the major school abductions recorded in the region and renewed calls for stronger protection of learning environments.

While celebrating the return of the victims, stakeholders have continued to demand that security agencies sustain efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

The teachers further urged authorities to strengthen security measures around schools across the state to prevent a repeat of the incident and guarantee a safe environment for pupils and educators.

The safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers has brought an atmosphere of celebration among education stakeholders in Oyo State, but attention has now shifted towards ensuring justice for the perpetrators and improved security for schools.

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