Oyo govt confirms release of abducted pupils, teachers

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has confirmed the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their freedom as a triumph of resilience, strategic security efforts and principled leadership.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after spending weeks in captivity.

“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” the commissioner said, describing the development as a major relief for the state and the affected families.

Oyelade stated that the successful rescue represented a significant test of the state’s resolve in confronting criminal elements. He said the government remained steadfast in its decision not to pay ransom, despite pressure from some quarters to adopt what it described as a “quick-fix” approach.

According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration demonstrated courage by refusing to negotiate with kidnappers through ransom payments, insisting that such actions would only provide temporary relief while strengthening criminal networks.

He noted that yielding to the demands of kidnappers would embolden bandits, encourage further abductions and undermine the broader fight against insecurity across the country.

The commissioner explained that the administration’s approach reflected its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other security challenges through pragmatic, sustainable and intelligence-driven measures rather than actions capable of empowering criminal gangs.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents, assuring that it would continue to work closely with security agencies to eliminate kidnapping and other forms of criminality across Oyo State.