Tinubu Confirms Rescue of Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils, Says Eight Suspects Arrested

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, stating that eight suspects were arrested during the security operation while others were neutralised.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Tinubu praised the efforts of the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.

Tinubu described the operation as bringing an end to a prolonged ordeal for the victims and their families.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”

The President also pledged that those responsible for the abduction would face justice.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.”

Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the operation and urged it to strengthen security around schools across the state.

According to Onanuga, the President also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care and other necessary support for the rescued teachers and pupils.

Earlier on Friday, Onanuga announced the victims’ release in a post on his social media accounts, stating: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”