For 56 painful days, families, friends and many Nigerians held on to hope that the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State would return home safely.
That hope finally became reality on Friday, July 10, when the Federal Government announced that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had regained their freedom after a coordinated operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies and local security outfits.
The news, shared by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quickly spread across social media, triggering an outpouring of relief from Nigerians. Among those who celebrated the rescue were actors, content creators and other celebrities, many of whom had followed the heartbreaking story since the victims were abducted in May.
While the rescue brought joy to many, it also revived memories of the tragedy that unfolded during the ordeal, including the deaths of two teachers. Even so, Friday’s announcement marked the end of one of the country’s most emotional school kidnapping cases in recent months.
A 56-Day Ordeal Finally Comes to an End
The abduction happened on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Thirty-nine pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken away by the attackers.
The incident shocked the nation. The Nigeria Union of Teachers embarked on a month-long strike in Oyo State, parents cried out for help, and security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
During the ordeal, tragedy struck. Teacher Joel Adesiyan was killed while trying to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later murdered in the kidnappers’ camp.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before releasing the captives. However, the Oyo State Government maintained throughout the crisis that it would not pay ransom.
On Friday, July 10, the breakthrough finally came. Announcing the rescue on X, presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga wrote:
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”
He also stated that no concession was made to the terrorists to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to the Nigerian Army, the rescue followed a carefully coordinated operation involving troops, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun operatives, local hunters and vigilantes.
Celebrities Welcome the Good News
As news of the rescue spread online, many celebrities joined thousands of Nigerians in expressing gratitude and relief.
Actress Wumi Toriola reacted with a simple but heartfelt message:
“Oluwaseun.” (Thank God)
Content creator Maraji admitted she could only imagine what the victims had been through.
“Chai, thank God. I can imagine the trauma they have suffered.”
Celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest described the development as the best news of the day.
“It’s Gonna Be Such An Amazing Weekend. Thank God. This Is The Best News So Far.”
Actor Deyemi Okanlawon also shared the announcement on his Instagram Story, joining the growing wave of celebration.
Actor Baaj Adebule equally reposted the news, while media personality Motirayo shared it with the short but emotional caption:
“Hummmm… Oluwaseun.”
Content creator Hauwa also expressed gratitude, writing:
“Thank you, God!!!”
The celebration was not limited to Instagram Stories. On the comment section of an Instagram blog that shared the rescue, several entertainers also offered prayers and thanksgiving.
Yoruba actress Yetunde Alabi, popularly known as Ashabi, wrote:
“Thank you God.”
Actress Mosun Filani commented:
“Thank u good Lord.”
Actress Damilola Oni also expressed her gratitude in Yoruba, writing:
“Oluwa Ese.”
Their reactions reflected the mood across social media, where many Nigerians described the rescue as an answered prayer after weeks of uncertainty and anxiety.
Joy Tempered by Pain
Although the rescue ended weeks of fear for the families, it could not erase the pain caused by the attack.
The deaths of Joel Adesiyan and Michael Oyedokun remain a painful reminder of the human cost of the kidnapping.
For the rescued pupils and teachers, the journey home is only the beginning. Beyond regaining their freedom, many will need time, care and emotional support to recover from the trauma of spending nearly two months in captivity.
