MAY 15 TO JULY 10, 2026: HOW ORIIRE SCHOOL ABDUCTION UNFOLDED FROM ATTACK TO RESCUE
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday announced that all the pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State had been rescued by security agencies, bringing to an end a 56-day ordeal that gripped the nation.
Onanuga disclosed this in a post on his X handle, saying, “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies.”
He later revealed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised.
He also dismissed reports that the victims were freed through a prisoner exchange, stating that there was “no quid pro quo” because one of the terrorist kingpins whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains on trial for alleged terrorism-related offences.
The announcement brings to a close months of uncertainty, denials, protests, and false alarms following the abduction of 46 pupils, students, and teachers by gunmen who attacked three schools in the area on May 15.
Below is a timeline of the 56-day ordeal.
May 15: The attack
Dozens of armed men, some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles, stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
The attackers opened fire before abducting pupils, students, and teachers, including a two-year-old toddler. At least one person was killed during the attack.
Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
In total, 39 pupils and seven teachers—46 victims—including the school principal, Folawe Alamu, were confirmed abducted.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as barbaric and ordered security agencies to ensure the victims’ safe rescue, while the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, deployed additional detectives to Oyo State to lead a technology-driven rescue operation.
Late May: Michael Oyedokun beheaded
Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by his captors in a video that sparked nationwide outrage and intensified public criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis. The killing was reportedly intended to discourage security operatives from advancing on the kidnappers’ hideout.
May 31: Federal delegation visits, forest guards approved
Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila led a federal delegation comprising National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and presidential aide Sunday Dare to the affected communities.
President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed a specialised rescue unit to intensify efforts to free the victims.
Around the same period, reports emerged that the kidnappers had opened communication with the Oyo State Government, demanding the release of two detained Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Usman (“Abu Bara’a”) and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, as a condition for releasing the captives.
June 1: NUT declares indefinite strike
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike, insisting that the abducted pupils and teachers be rescued before schools reopened. Solidarity protests were later held across several state capitals.
Early to mid-June: False release reports emerge
Several waves of misinformation falsely claimed the victims had been released. The Oyo State Government and the police repeatedly debunked the reports, while fact-checkers also dismissed the claims.
Late June: Ransom claims, pressure mounts
Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, led protests to the Oyo State Government House over the prolonged captivity of the victims.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, consistently denied paying any ransom, while civil society organisations criticised the authorities and demanded greater accountability.
July 2: NUT suspends strike
After about one month of industrial action, the NUT suspended its strike, citing assurances from the government that efforts to secure the victims’ release had intensified, as well as concern over pupils’ lost academic time.
July 8-9: Defence minister explains delay
Defence Minister Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted a forceful rescue, explaining the lengthy operation and the decision to adopt a negotiated strategy.
Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu also said troops had made “tremendous progress” and identified several associates of the kidnappers.
July 10: Freedom at last
Onanuga announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies, ending their 56-day captivity.
He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in DSS custody, while some others were neutralised.
While the victims have regained their freedom, security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive account of the operation, including details of the arrests and the circumstances surrounding the rescue.
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