Streets across Ogbomosho erupted in celebration on Friday night as pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area finally returned home after spending 56 harrowing days in captivity, bringing an emotional end to one of the most disturbing school kidnapping episodes in Nigeria’s Southwest.
Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of jubilation as residents cheered, sang praises to God and welcomed the victims’ convoy escorted by security personnel. Families, neighbours and well-wishers struggled to contain their emotions as the long-awaited reunion unfolded.
In another widely shared video, the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Folawe Alamu, expressed profound gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies and Nigerians whose prayers and support sustained hope throughout the agonising weeks of uncertainty.
The rescue followed an intelligence-driven operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. According to the Presidency, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during a fierce gun battle. Remarkably, all the rescued pupils and teachers were freed without suffering further harm during the operation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the operation as a major victory against criminal elements and praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the security agencies.
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“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers after a carefully coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President noted that the successful operation had ended more than 50 days of anxiety for the affected families and the nation, while assuring Nigerians that those responsible for the crime would face justice.
He also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and relevant authorities to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical attention, trauma counselling and other relief support for the rescued victims.
The President further extended condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was murdered by the kidnappers during the period of captivity, describing the killing as a painful reminder of the brutality of criminal gangs operating across parts of the country.
The abduction occurred on May 15, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping dozens of pupils and teachers. The incident shocked Nigerians because large-scale school abductions had previously been concentrated mainly in the northern part of the country, raising fresh concerns over the spread of violent criminal networks into the Southwest.
The kidnapping elicited nationwide outrage, prompting protests by residents, appeals from parents and traditional rulers, as well as calls from lawmakers for stronger security measures.
The Federal Government responded by dispatching a high-powered delegation to the affected communities, approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and intensifying intelligence-led rescue operations that eventually culminated in Friday’s breakthrough.
For residents of Ogbomosho, Friday’s celebrations represented more than the safe return of innocent children. They symbolised hope after weeks of fear, unanswered prayers and painful uncertainty.
As joyous crowds welcomed the rescued victims home, attention is now expected to shift toward their rehabilitation, psychological recovery and renewed efforts to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar tragedies.
While the celebrations continue across Ogbomosho, many Nigerians believe the successful rescue sends a strong message that sustained intelligence, coordinated security operations and community cooperation remain essential in confronting the country’s evolving security challenges.