Nigeria has welcomed the rescue of all pupils and teachers who were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing an end to a kidnapping ordeal that lasted more than seven weeks.
The successful operation has sparked widespread relief across the country, with many Nigerians commending security agencies for securing the victims’ release. On social media, several users also praised President Bola Tinubu while calling for tougher measures to combat kidnapping and strengthen national security.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities. The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School.
The attack claimed the life of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, whose killing shocked the nation after a video of the incident circulated widely online. The tragedy triggered public outrage, protests, industrial action by teachers, and renewed concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom, particularly in Nigeria’s South-West region.
The rescue of the victims brings closure to one of the country’s most widely followed kidnapping cases in recent weeks. It has also reignited calls for stronger security measures to safeguard schools, protect communities, and prevent similar attacks across the country.
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