Peter Obi reacts to rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren

Peter Obi reacts to rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, describing their freedom after 56 days in captivity as a moment of relief for their families and the entire nation.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after a coordinated joint security operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local intelligence operatives and other security agencies.

The Presidency said the intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the mission. Authorities added that the rescue was carried out without collateral damage, bringing an end to one of the most high-profile school abduction cases recorded in Nigeria’s South-West.

The schoolchildren and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

During the attack, 39 pupils and six teachers were taken into the forests around the Old Oyo National Park. Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while trying to shield the children from the attackers, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the victims’ captivity.

The kidnapping sparked nationwide outrage, forcing public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on a month-long strike under the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The industrial action disrupted academic activities and led to the postponement of the state’s Common Entrance Examination.

Reacting to the successful rescue on Saturday through his verified X account, Obi expressed gratitude to the security agencies and everyone involved in securing the victims’ freedom.

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“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped,” Obi wrote.

“I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes.”

While celebrating the development, the former Anambra State governor warned that the incident once again exposed the country’s fragile security situation.

“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he stated.

“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government.”

Obi said every Nigerian child deserves access to education in a safe environment, urging the Federal Government and state governments to invest more in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid emergency response systems and stronger protection for schools and rural communities.

He also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones during the attack and urged security agencies to ensure that every member of the kidnapping syndicate is identified, arrested and prosecuted.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu celebrated the successful rescue, commending the military, DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for sustaining intelligence-driven operations that eventually secured the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.

The President described the operation as a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism, saying it reflected his administration’s determination not to abandon Nigerians in distress. He pledged that justice would be served for all victims, particularly Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan and teacher Michael Oyedokun, who lost their lives during the incident.

President Tinubu also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing medical treatment, trauma counselling and humanitarian assistance for the rescued children and teachers.

Similarly, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde thanked the military, DSS, police, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes and other security personnel whose combined efforts led to the rescue mission.

Makinde described the successful operation as a huge relief for Oyo State, assuring residents that his administration would prioritise the rehabilitation and psychological recovery of the rescued victims while strengthening security around schools and vulnerable communities across the state.

The governor also reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent future attacks, improve intelligence sharing and enhance security in forests and border communities.

Security experts have described the successful operation as one of Nigeria’s most significant hostage rescue missions in recent years, noting that the intelligence-led strategy, sustained surveillance and collaboration among security agencies were crucial to freeing the victims without a major loss of life.

With eight suspects already in custody and investigations continuing, security agencies have vowed to track down the remaining members of the kidnapping gang and dismantle the wider criminal network responsible for the attack.

The rescue has brought relief to grieving families and renewed calls for governments at all levels to strengthen school security, improve rural policing and ensure that children across Nigeria can pursue their education without fear of abduction or violence.

Peter Obi reacts to rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren