Sanwo-Olu Hails Oriire Pupils’ Rescue, Says Tinubu Is Winning Security Fight

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a strong indication of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Ireporter Online, Sanwo-Olu said the freedom of the victims after spending over 50 days in captivity had brought immense relief to their families, residents of Oyo State and Nigerians who followed the incident with concern.

The governor made the statement through a release issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, following the announcement of the rescue operation.

The victims were among 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted on May 15, 2026, after armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Reports indicated that a coordinated operation involving security and intelligence agencies led to the recovery of the captives, with 39 pupils and six teachers reportedly brought to safety.

Reacting to the development, Sanwo-Olu said the successful operation reflected the Federal Government’s determination to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the country.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue mission, noting that their collaboration played a key role in ending the victims’ prolonged ordeal.

The Lagos governor also congratulated the people of Oyo State, particularly residents of Ogbomoso, while sympathising with Governor Seyi Makinde and the families affected by the abduction.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the rescue had renewed hope among victims’ relatives, communities in the South-West and Nigerians who had been demanding urgent action following the attack.

The pupils and teachers were abducted when gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and LA Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident initially left 46 people missing, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, and triggered widespread concern over the growing threat of school kidnappings in southern Nigeria.

The attack reportedly led to protests by teachers, students, residents and civil society groups in Ogbomoso, with public school teachers in Oyo State embarking on an indefinite strike to pressure authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims.

The prolonged captivity also sparked calls for improved security measures around schools, especially those located in rural areas vulnerable to attacks.