Joy as Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Finally Freed

Teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained freedom.

VAM News had reported how gunmen abducted 46 pupils and teachers, including the principal of a secondary school, during the attack which happened on 15 May 2026.

The crisis worsened days later when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to nationwide protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders, who demanded urgent action.

Reports had emerged that the terrorists had made several demands, including the implementation of Sharia law, the payment of N1 billion into an account in the Benin Republic, and the release of some of their leaders currently standing trial.

However, one of the victims, Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, dismissed claims in another video released from captivity that the kidnappers demanded a N1 billion ransom or the imposition of Sharia law in Nigeria.

This Online Newspaper reports that calls for rescue efforts and negotiations intensified following a series of videos in which Mrs Alamu appealed to authorities to urgently negotiate their release.

Many Nigerian celebrities have also used their platforms to call on the government and security agencies to expedite efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.

But on Friday, Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed their release in a post on his X handle.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he posted.

Details of the operation that led to their release remain sketchy for now. Voice Air Media will keep following up on the matter and provide further updates.

Details later…