The presidency said that the rescue operation was completed without any concession to the terrorists
The rescued victims. Photo credit: Presidency
May 15, 2026 – Terror Strikes Three Schools
Gunmen attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils, teachers and a school principal.
The attack targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School. A teacher was killed during the assault, while another later died in captivity, triggering nationwide outrage.
May 18 – Makinde Vows Not To Bow To Terror
Three days after the attack, Governor Seyi Makinde declared that Oyo State would not negotiate from a position of weakness or surrender to terrorists.
While insisting the government was prepared to listen to the abductors’ demands where lawful, he stressed that every legitimate effort would be deployed to secure the victims’ release.
He also announced that coordinated security operations had begun and urged residents to provide credible intelligence.
Late May – Protests
As anxiety mounted, teachers in Ogbomoso staged protests demanding immediate action, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers later directed public school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike.
Governor Makinde visited the affected communities to console families, assuring them that government would not relent until the victims returned safely.
President Bola Tinubu also intervened, dispatching a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to the communities.
The President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards, ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team and promised that every lawful tool would be used to rescue the victims.
June 2–3 – National Outcry Grows
The Senate described the abduction as “an assault on our collective humanity,” while civil society organisations staged protests in Lagos and Oyo states, demanding the immediate release of the schoolchildren and teachers.
June 7 – Military Steps In
Governor Makinde disclosed that aerial intelligence was helping security agencies track the kidnappers, while President Tinubu’s special rescue measures continued.
June 13 – Rescue Operations Continue
Governor Makinde revealed that intelligence reports showed the abducted pupils and teachers were being held inside the vast Old Oyo National Park.
He explained that the difficult terrain complicated rescue efforts but assured residents that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead while warning against misinformation that could jeopardise the operation.
July 10 – Freedom After 57 Days
Fifty-seven days after the attack, the Presidency announced the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said eight members of the kidnapping gang had been arrested while others were neutralised.
He added that the operation was completed without any concession to the terrorists, including their demand for the release of a notorious gang leader who remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
A video released after the operation showed one of the rescued teachers thanking President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
