39 Students and 7 Teachers Regain Freedom

Oriire School Kidnapping: After 56 Days, 39 Students and 7 Teachers Regain Freedom

By Igbe News Investigative Desk

July 10, 2026

Introduction

On July 10, 2026, a wave of relief swept across Oyo State and the entire nation as news broke that 39 students and 7 teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area had finally been freed after 56 days in captivity. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development via his X account: “At last, all the students and teachers kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies.”

The nightmare that began on May 15 claimed the life of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, and has triggered a national reckoning over school security and the widening kidnapping crisis.

The Abduction: Three Schools Attacked, 46 Taken

In the early hours of May 15, 2026, armed gunmen launched coordinated attacks on three schools in the Ahoro‑Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. The affected schools were:

· Community Grammar School (Esiele)

· Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota)

· L.A. Primary School (Esiele)

A total of 46 persons were seized – 39 pupils and 7 staff members – including a two‑year‑old girl, the youngest victim. Among the abducted teachers were the Principal of Community High School, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, and the Vice Principal, Mr. Ojo Jonathan.

During the attack, teacher Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while trying to flee. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was later beheaded by the kidnappers on May 17, with a gruesome video of the act circulated widely on social media, sparking nationwide outrage.

Government Response: From Rejection of Negotiation to Multi‑Agency Mobilisation

The Federal and Oyo State governments responded swiftly after the incident.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as “barbaric” and vowed to secure the victims’ release. The Inspector‑General of Police deployed additional detectives to Oyo State, leading a technology‑driven rescue operation.

Governor Seyi Makinde firmly rejected any negotiation with the kidnappers. In mid‑June, he declared: “Oyo is not Chibok, and it will never be.” Makinde insisted that negotiating with bandits would cede state authority to criminal gangs. He also offered to “sacrifice himself” to secure the hostages’ freedom.

The state government imposed a curfew in 10 local government areas to support search‑and‑rescue efforts. Security forces conducted sustained tracking operations in forested hideouts where the abductors were believed to be holed up.

Societal Fallout: Teachers’ Strike and Parliamentary Intervention

The kidnapping sent shockwaves through society.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) , Oyo State chapter, declared an indefinite strike, demanding the safe return of all victims. The strike lasted until July 1, when the union suspended it after the state government provided assurances on enhanced school security, directing teachers to resume classes on July 2.

The House of Representatives passed a motion on June 2 urging security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. The motion’s sponsor, Olamijuwonlo Alao‑Akala, called for accelerated establishment of state and local police forces to tackle growing security challenges. Several lawmakers drew parallels with the 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction, warning that without decisive action, such tragedies would become routine.

The Ransom Controversy: Rumours and Denials

Throughout the weeks‑long ordeal, the issue of ransom payments became a lightning rod for public debate.

In early July, social commentator Martins Otse (aka “VeryDarkMan”) alleged that the state government had paid a ransom. The Oyo State government swiftly denied the claim, with Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade issuing a statement branding the allegation “false and misleading.” The government insisted that “no ransom, directly or indirectly, was paid to the kidnappers.”

The Final Rescue: Eight Arrested, No Ransom Paid

On July 10, security forces executed a coordinated operation that freed all hostages.

Onanuga disclosed that eight kidnappers were arrested and are currently in DSS custody, while several others were neutralised during the operation. Crucially, a “kingpin” whose release the abductors had demanded was not freed and remains on trial. Onanuga emphasised: “There was no swap or exchange of any kind.”

In circulating video footage, the freed school principal, Mrs. Alamu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security personnel: “We thank you, Mr. President. We saw your commitment to our safety… Every security officer did their utmost; that is why we are alive today.”

Conclusion

Fifty‑six days of agony have finally come to an end. Forty‑six teachers and students have returned home, but the scars of this tragedy run deep – one teacher beheaded, another shot dead, and a two‑year‑old child forced to endure unimaginable terror.

The Oriire kidnapping stands as yet another grim reminder that Nigeria’s school‑safety crisis is far from over. From Chibok to Oriire, from Borno to Oyo, the shadow of abduction is spreading across the country. When the keys to education fall into the hands of armed groups, the entire nation’s future is placed in jeopardy.

As the House of Representatives has urged – establishing more effective local policing, strengthening school security infrastructure, and improving intelligence‑gathering and rapid‑response mechanisms – these are no longer mere policy options. They are urgent national imperatives that affect the life of every Nigerian child.

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Igbe News will continue to follow this story, including the recovery of the freed hostages and the judicial process against the arrested kidnappers.