Oyo State Pupils and Teachers Rescued from Kidnappers

The pupils and teachers taken from three schools in Oyo State are back home, according to reports.

Their release came after months of work by security forces from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the State Security Service, the Nigerian Army, and other agencies.

Sources close to the situation told reporters that the victims were freed on Friday evening. They also said several terrorists were killed during the operation.

This newspaper earlier reported that 46 people, which included 39 students and seven teachers, were kidnapped. They were taken when terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Defence Headquarters later confirmed that the kidnappers were members of Boko Haram. The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, said on Thursday that the terrorists took the students to pressure the government into releasing some of their leaders.

Details about how the rescue operation was carried out are still unclear. This newspaper will keep following the story and provide more updates.