Oriire School Abduction: How Pupils and Teachers Were Freed After 56 Days

The abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area was one of the most painful events in the Ogbomoso zone this year. Here is a summary of what happened, how the victims were freed and what has followed.

The attack

On May 15, 2026, gunmen attacked schools in Oriire LGA, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Esiele. Reports say no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken. Reports attributed the attack to the Ansaru terror group.

Two teachers lost their lives. Teacher Michael Olugbade Oyedokun was killed in captivity, and teacher Esiyan Adegboye was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22.

The rescue

On July 10, 2026, the Presidency confirmed that the remaining pupils and teachers had been freed after 56 days in captivity. The operation involved the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and intelligence agencies.

• Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and handed to the DSS, while several others were reported killed.

• Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said there was "no quid pro quo" in the rescue.

• President Bola Tinubu ordered medical and relief support for the victims and urged Oyo State to strengthen school security.

• Governor Seyi Makinde thanked the security agencies and the President.

Community response

In the weeks that followed, Ogbomoso rallied around the victims. Education stakeholders visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the freed teachers and the bereaved families with cash gifts, and a thanksgiving service was held. Lecturers from the University of Ibadan also donated to the freed abductees, and the Ogbomoso Grammar School Old Students Association sent its congratulations.

Local reports also say three suspects linked to the killing of one of the teachers were later sentenced, and that the slain teacher's adopted children will be cared for by family rather than an orphanage.

The questions that remain

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State suspended its strike in early July, but teachers and parents in rural communities continue to ask for lasting protection. Calls for perimeter fencing, security posts near schools and better early-warning systems remain loud across Oriire, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa.

Sources: Kola King / Substack; Prime Business Africa; Sahara Reporters; Legit.ng; Ogbomoso Insight (May–July 2026).