The Presidency has released fresh details on the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, revealing that eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested, while several others were killed during the operation.
The update was provided on Friday by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, shortly after confirming that all the abducted victims had regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue mission by security agencies.
According to Onanuga, the arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while the operation was carried out without negotiating or making concessions to the kidnappers.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised,” Onanuga said.
He also dismissed reports suggesting that the Federal Government released a notorious terrorist kingpin in exchange for the victims’ freedom.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he stated.
Onanuga added that security agencies would soon provide a full account of the operation.
The victims had spent several weeks in captivity after gunmen attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. The incident shocked the nation, especially after one teacher was killed and another was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.
The successful rescue has brought relief to families, residents and many Nigerians who had anxiously awaited the victims’ safe return.
Source: Presidency (Bayo Onanuga).
