Makinde visits rescued Oriire schoolchildren, teachers at military hospital
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday visited the rescued Oriire schoolchildren and teachers receiving treatment and care at the Military Hospital in Ibadan.
The victims were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, and had spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.
The Presidency said the abducted teachers and pupils were rescued following a coordinated security operation.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while several others were killed during the mission.
According to Onanuga, the operation was executed without yielding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga said.
Following their rescue, the teachers and pupils expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
President Tinubu also welcomed the successful operation and praised the security agencies for ensuring the victims were rescued safely.
