The pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released  after their kidnap by gunmen on May 15th.

Their freedom was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced that the victims had been rescued by security agencies.

The release of the pupils and teachers has brought relief to their families, residents of the community and the people of the state who had expressed concern over their safety since the incident occurred.

Onanuga, in a post shared on his verified X handle, confirmed that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA had been rescued.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

Onanuga, however, did not provide further details on the operation that led to the freedom of the victims or the identities of those involved in the rescue effort.

The announcement came as a major relief to the affected families, members of the community and many Nigerians who had been awaiting news about the whereabouts and safety of their loved ones.

The abduction incident had generated heightened anxiety among residents of Oriire Local Government Area, with many calling for urgent intervention from security agencies.

Parents, community leaders and other stakeholders had been worried about the safety of the pupils and the teachers following their disappearance.

The incident also renewed concerns about the security situation in some communities and the need for stronger measures to protect schools and residents.

Despite the announcement of their release, details surrounding the circumstances of the rescue were not immediately available.

Government has also not disclosed whether the victims were freed through a security operation, negotiations or any other means.

Rescued teachers and pupils.