46 abducted Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom as DSS arrests eight suspected kidnappers
By Kemi Aina
All the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released, THISDAY has confirmed.
The victims were kidnapped when heavily armed gunmen invaded the community, abducting 46 pupils, teachers and the principal of a secondary school, sparking nationwide concern.
The incident took a tragic turn days after the abduction when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the abductors.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers had been arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised during the security operation that secured the victims’ release.
In a post on his official X handle, Onanuga dismissed reports that the victims regained their freedom through the payment of ransom or a prisoner swap, insisting that no such concession was made.
According to him, the kidnappers had demanded the release of one of their kingpins, who is currently standing trial for alleged acts of terrorism.
He said the Federal Government rejected the demand and instead pressed ahead with the rescue operation.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” Onanuga wrote.
He added that security agencies would soon provide a comprehensive account of the operation.
