The Presidency has disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State have been arrested, while several others were killed during a security operation that led to the victims’ rescue.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a follow-up post on his verified X handle on Friday, saying the operation was carried out without conceding to the kidnappers’ demands.
According to Onanuga, one of the suspected kingpins whose release was demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted.
“Updated: 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.
“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. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he wrote.
He added that security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.
The Presidency had earlier announced the rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers, who regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity following their abduction on May 15 in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped when armed men attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities, killing one teacher during the attack.
The incident sparked widespread outrage after the abductors later released a video showing the killing of another teacher while the pupils and other victims remained in captivity.
Security agencies are expected to provide further details of the rescue operation in the coming days.
