IPOB Lawyer, Ejimakor Reacts As Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom

Aloy Ejimakor, a Special Counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has welcomed the release of pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Naija News reports that Ejimakor, in a post on his 𝕏 account, expressed relief that the victims had regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.

He said the debate over whether the victims were rescued by security operatives or released by their abductors should not overshadow the significance of their safe return.

“It is indeed cheery to learn of the release of the teachers and children kidnapped in Oyo State and held in captivity for so long,” the lawyer wrote.

“Whether they were released or rescued does not matter. What matters is that they’re finally free and safe from the clutches of merchants of terror.”

Ejimakor’s reaction followed Friday’s announcement that the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo State had regained their freedom.

Victims Freed After Prolonged Captivity

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Naija News recalls that the victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in farming communities within the Oriire Local Government Area.

At least 39 pupils and six teachers were reportedly among those taken away by the attackers, leaving their families and communities in distress for nearly two months.

Announcing their freedom, Onanuga said the pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” the presidential aide stated.

He also shared photographs and a video showing some of the freed victims.

One of the rescued teachers, identified as Rachael Alamu, the Principal of Community High School, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts.

“President sir, our father, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us,” she said.

The release brought an end to an ordeal that lasted for more than 50 days and generated widespread concern over the safety of schools in Oyo State and other parts of the South-West.

Coordinated Attacks On Three Schools

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota, Ahoro-Esinele and other neighbouring communities on May 15.

Witnesses said the attackers, some of whom reportedly wore military-style uniforms and masks, invaded the communities and fired shots before taking pupils and teachers into the forest.

The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, LA Primary School and Community High School.

The attack caused panic across the communities, with some residents reportedly fleeing their homes amid fears that the armed group could return.

One teacher was killed while attempting to escape during the attack, while reports later emerged that another educator had died in captivity.

The mass abduction attracted national attention because large-scale school kidnappings had previously been concentrated mainly in parts of northern Nigeria.

Parents and relatives of the victims repeatedly appealed to the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to secure their release.

The abduction also triggered protests and disruptions to academic activities as teachers and other stakeholders demanded stronger security around schools in rural communities.

President Tinubu, while reacting to the development, said the operation had ended a siege that lasted for more than 50 days and brought relief to the victims’ families and the country.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” the President said.

Authorities said eight suspected militants were arrested during the operation, while an unspecified number of the attackers were killed.