The 56-day ordeal of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State came to an end on Friday after security agencies successfully rescued all the victims.
The announcement was made by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.
He also dismissed claims that the victims were freed through a prisoner exchange, insisting that no concession was made to the kidnappers, as one of the terrorist kingpins whose release they demanded remains in custody and is being prosecuted.
Below is a timeline of the events that unfolded over the 56-day crisis.
May 15: Gunmen Attack Schools
Armed men, some dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
The affected schools were Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The attackers opened fire before abducting pupils, teachers and a two-year-old child. At least one person was killed during the attack.
Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that 39 pupils and seven teachers—a total of 46 victims—were kidnapped, including school principal Mrs. Rachael Alamu.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
Late May: Teacher Killed in Captivity
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers in a video that sparked nationwide outrage.
The killing was believed to have been carried out to discourage security operatives from advancing on the kidnappers’ hideout.
May 31: Federal Government Steps Up Rescue Efforts
A Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff visited the affected communities.
President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
Around the same period, reports emerged that the kidnappers demanded the release of two detained terrorist commanders in exchange for the victims.
June 1: Teachers Embark on Strike
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State, insisting that schools should not reopen until the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued.
Solidarity protests were also held in support of the victims and their families.
June: False Rescue Reports Emerge
Several false reports circulated on social media claiming the victims had been released.
The Oyo State Government and the police repeatedly debunked the claims, urging the public to rely only on verified information.
Late June: Public Pressure Mounts
Calls for the victims’ release intensified as activists and civil society organisations criticised the pace of rescue efforts.
The Oyo State Government consistently denied reports that ransom had been paid to the kidnappers.
July 2: Teachers Suspend Strike
The NUT suspended its industrial action after receiving assurances from the government that rescue efforts had made significant progress.
The union also cited concerns over the prolonged disruption to academic activities.
July 8–9: Defence Minister Explains Delay
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if security forces launched a direct assault, making negotiations and intelligence-led operations necessary.
The Chief of Army Staff also announced that troops had made substantial progress in tracking the kidnappers and their collaborators.
July 10: Victims Regain Freedom
On Friday, Bayo Onanuga announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued after 56 days in captivity.
He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He also stressed that no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place, noting that the terrorist kingpin whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
With the successful rescue of the victims, the 56-day ordeal has finally come to an end. Security agencies are expected to provide a detailed account of the operation, including how the rescue was executed and the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
