VIDEO: Tears of Relief as Rescued Oyo Pupils, Teachers Thank Tinubu After 56 Days in Captivity
An emotional video showing the rescued pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State thanking President Bola Tinubu has emerged following their release after spending 56 days in captivity.
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The victims, who were abducted during a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, were freed in a coordinated operation by Nigerian security agencies, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety for their families and communities.
Announcing the breakthrough on Friday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, who are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He added that several other members of the gang were neutralised during the mission.
Onanuga stressed that the rescue was achieved without meeting the kidnappers’ demands, noting that the gang leader whose release had been requested by the abductors remains in detention and is facing prosecution.
In the video released after the rescue, one of the teachers, surrounded by the freed schoolchildren, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
“We are grateful, Mr President. We appreciate everything you did for us. Every security operative worked tirelessly, and that is why we are alive today,” she said, as the children joined in thanking the President.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde welcomed the development, describing the victims’ return as a huge relief after nearly two months of uncertainty.
President Tinubu also celebrated the successful operation, commending the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for their determination in rescuing the victims.
He sympathised with the children, teachers and their families for the trauma they endured and directed relevant agencies to provide medical care, counselling and other support to aid their recovery.
The President also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The assault claimed the life of a teacher, while another victim, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed during captivity, intensifying nationwide outrage and calls for decisive action.
The incident triggered protests by teachers and drew condemnation from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, which described the attack as barbaric and demanded stronger security for schools across the country.
The safe return of the remaining captives has now brought a measure of relief to their families and the wider public.
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