There was widespread relief on Friday as the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after days in captivity.
The development was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle.
Onanuga wrote, “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors.”
Shortly after the announcement, a video circulating online showed the freed victims expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security operatives for securing their release.
In the video, some of the victims thanked the President for his intervention and commended the efforts of security agencies, saying they were grateful to have regained their freedom after the traumatic ordeal.
The development brought an end to days of anxiety for the victims’ families, colleagues and residents of the affected communities, who had waited in hope for their safe return.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and security agencies had yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, including whether any ransom was paid or whether their freedom was secured through negotiations or a rescue operation.
Details later.
