Oyo abduction: 46 pupils and teachers rescued after 56 days in captivity

All 46 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by security agencies after 56 days in captivity. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, announced the rescue, stating that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and others were neutralized. He denied reports of a prisoner exchange, confirming that a terrorist kingpin whose release was demanded remains on trial. The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, seizing 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a two-year-old toddler. One person was killed during the raid. The incident led to the beheading of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun by his captors, sparking widespread condemnation. A federal delegation, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, visited the affected communities, and President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State. The kidnappers had demanded the release of two detained Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders. The Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, which was later suspended on July 2. Defence Minister Christopher Musa revealed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill captives if security forces attempted a forceful rescue, leading to a shift towards a negotiated approach.