All the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued by Nigerian security agencies, according to the Presidency.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday in an X update on the rescue operation, revealing that eight of the suspected kidnappers were arrested, while several others were killed during the operation.
“During the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised,” Onanuga said.
He also dismissed reports suggesting that the government negotiated with the kidnappers or agreed to their demands to secure the victims’ freedom.
“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,” he stated.
According to Onanuga, the suspected kingpin remains in custody and is facing prosecution, despite the kidnappers’ demand for his release.
He added that the security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.
“The security agencies will give full account soon,” he said.
The rescue brings an end to the abduction incident that sparked concerns over the safety of pupils and teachers in the state and Nugeria as a whole.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the identities of those arrested or the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation.
Details later ..