Nigeria's military has rescued all 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted two months ago from three schools in the southern state of Oyo, and arrested some of the captors. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, was confirmed by army spokesman Danjuma Jonah Danjuma in a statement issued on Friday evening. The freed captives are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will be reunited with their families at a later date.
Families Express Relief After Harrowing Ordeal
A local teachers' union has expressed relief, but families say the experience has been harrowing. Prof Wole Alamu, whose wife Rachael Folawe Alamu is the headteacher of Community Grammar School, told the BBC: "It was a harrowing experience... but we thank God that it ended well." He noted that his family found it especially difficult to see videos released by the abductors showing his wife and other teachers and pupils.
Hassan Ajibola, head of the Teachers' Union in Oyo State, said he was "happy and elated" and felt huge "joy", but urged authorities to fully implement stronger security measures as outlined in the Safe School Initiative, launched over a decade ago after the Chibok schoolgirls' abduction.
Details of the Abduction and Rescue
The victims were kidnapped by gunmen on 15 May from three schools in the district of Osiire, Oyo state: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, LA Primary School, and Community Grammar School. No official confirmation has been given of the victims' ages, but children at such schools in Nigeria are typically aged between two and 18 years old.
The military confirmed that several soldiers died during the rescue mission. The freed captives are now receiving medical care at an undisclosed location before being returned home.
Security Concerns Ahead of General Election
A renewed wave of mass kidnappings has hit Nigeria in recent months, and insecurity remains a major issue ahead of next year's general election. The government says it is stepping up security around schools and vulnerable communities, but critics argue it is not enough.
Ajibola added that measures should include deploying security personnel to schools, installing CCTV, conducting regular patrols, fencing school premises, and using local security groups to support areas facing personnel shortages. Continued school kidnappings have led to calls from lawmakers and rights groups for an investigation into how Safe School Initiative funds have been used.
