Parents and relatives of the rescued Oyo schoolchildren gathered at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso on Tuesday as they waited to be reunited with their children following weeks in captivity.
According to Punch, the rescued pupils and teachers were taken to the hospital for medical examinations and psychological support before being released to their families.
The victims include 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, who were abducted on May 15, 2026, after suspected Ansaru gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The schools affected were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele.
The victims regained their freedom on July 10 following a military, police and intelligence-led operation. The Presidency said the mission resulted in the killing of some of the terrorists and the arrest of eight suspects.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place to secure the release of the pupils and teachers.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the rescue, praising the security agencies for the successful operation and pledging that those responsible for the abduction would face justice. He also remembered the family of Mr Oyedokun, who was killed during the incident.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also described the rescue as a major relief for the state.
