Oyo abduction: Makinde says victims were freed without ransom, thanks Tinubu

All 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire, Oyo State, have been released unharmed after an eight-week ordeal.

Eight weeks after gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the 39 pupils and seven teachers seized in the attack have regained their freedom. Vanguard reports that Governor Seyi Makinde, through Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the release and thanked President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the operation.

Makinde dismissed claims that ransom changed hands, insisting his government never negotiated with the kidnappers. He argued that paying ransom would embolden criminal groups and trigger more abductions, adding that sustained security pressure remained the state’s preferred route to resolving such crises.

The freed pupils and teachers also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their release.