By Zainab Bakare
The Presidency has confirmed the rescue of all pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, ending a 56-day ordeal that gripped the nation.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday via his X account, saying security agencies successfully rescued all the victims.
According to Onanuga, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other suspects were neutralised.
He also dismissed reports suggesting the victims were freed through a prisoner swap, insisting there was “no quid pro quo.”
He added that one of the suspected terrorist leaders whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains on trial for terrorism-related offences.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 46 pupils, students and teachers.
Their rescue brings relief to families and communities after weeks of anxiety, public protests and widespread calls for their safe return.
