Rescue of Oyo pupils and teachers

After moments of intense stress, it is heartwarming that the schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were rescued after about 56 days in captivity. According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies. Eight members of the kidnap gang were arrested during the rescue operation. Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers.

The 45 pupils and teachers were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The hapless kids spent 56 days in captivity. Unfortunately, one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the bandits. At the time the kids in Oyo were seized, Boko Haram terrorists also attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, in Borno State, and abducted 42 students.

The release of the Oyo pupils and their teachers received commendations across the country. President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for securing the victims’ freedom. He lauded the security agencies for sustaining the operation for almost two months without collateral damage and ensuring the arrest of eight of the abductors and neutralising others. Tinubu also sympathised with the rescued pupils, their teachers, their families and the nation over the trauma they endured during their captivity.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, his Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) counterpart, Peter Obi, religious leaders and Nigerians from all walks of life commended the release of the kidnapped victims. They all welcomed the safe return of the victims and called on the federal government to take decisive measures to prevent such anomaly and strengthen security across the country. In the same vein, Senator Ali Ndume urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue dozens of people still being held by kidnappers in his constituency.

We commend the federal government and security agencies for the feat of bringing back the kidnapped schoolchildren unharmed. Freedom for the Oyo captives is a big achievement by the government and an indication that Nigeria has the capacity to tackle and overwhelm the terrorists and bandits. The success of the Oyo rescue operation has demonstrated that with more dedication, victory could be attained in the fight against insecurity in the country. The rescue is the beginning of the big task ahead.

Apart from the Oyo episode, there are still Nigerians in captivity in Borno, Niger, Woro in Kwara State and in other areas. The advice by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to the federal government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Nigerians still being held by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, should be adhered to. Okoh’s remark on the rescue indicates that coordinated security operations driven by credible intelligence, patience and professionalism could deliver positive results and restore public confidence in the government.

As we bask in the euphoria of the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, the celebration should not overshadow the plight of other victims across the country. Let the same strategy deployed in freeing the Oyo hostages be extended to other Nigerians in captivity. Many Nigerian families are still living with the trauma and uncertainty of having their loved ones in kidnappers’ dens. The government should build on the momentum created by the Oyo rescue by redoubling efforts to free other Nigerians still in captivity. Every child and every citizen deserve equal protection irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geographical location. There is the need to make schools safe again. No parent should have to choose between educating a child and keeping that child alive. Education is the right of every Nigerian child.

We urge the federal government and security agencies to do more to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians. The recommendation by the President, Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, that the families and communities of the freed pupils and teachers be provided with necessary medical assistance and counseling to aid recovery, is a step in the right direction. Having endured inhumane conditions and psychological trauma, the released pupils and their teachers require deliberate support to help them reintegrate into normal daily life. This is the time for the government to prioritise trauma healing, medical care and community security to the victims and other Nigerians.

Above all, the Oyo incident and others across the land, speak on the need for enhanced intelligence gathering among security agencies. It also underlines the need for securing Nigerians in every part of the country. It is worth reiterating that security of life and property remains the primary purpose of the government. Every Nigerian in captivity must be rescued. This is the time to expedite action on the establishment of state and community policing.