BREAKING: Kidnapped Oriire pupils, teachers freed after 50 days in captivity

The pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.

The development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X account on Friday.

“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors,” Onanuga wrote.

Details surrounding their release were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, and it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid or whether security agencies secured their freedom. The Oyo State Government and security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances of their release.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen attacked three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The attackers kidnapped dozens of pupils and several teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, while at least two people were killed during the attack, including a teacher who was later reported to have been beheaded.