Chief of Defence Staff has confirmed that no concession was made to the terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oyo State, insisting that neither ransom nor any of the kidnappers’ demands was met before the victims were rescued.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were kidnapped during the attacks.
Oyo school children and teachers regain freedom
The incident turned deadly as teacher Joel Adesiyan was shot dead while trying to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity.
The terrorists had reportedly demanded the release of detained commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law as conditions for freeing the captives.
However, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers.
The abductions sparked widespread public outrage and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike, which was suspended in July after progress was made in efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The incident also attracted federal intervention, with the military and police repeatedly assuring Nigerians that intensive rescue operations were underway before the eventual release of the victims.
