By Adeola Badru
Fresh hope has emerged over the fate of teachers and pupils abducted from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the successful rescue of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons by security operatives.
The victims, comprising teachers and pupils of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, were abducted by armed men on May 15, 2026, in an incident that sparked widespread concern across the state and renewed fears over insecurity in rural communities.
More than three weeks after the abduction, security agencies have continued intensive operations aimed at securing the safe release of the victims, with government sources expressing optimism that a breakthrough may be imminent.
Multiple sources familiar with the rescue efforts told Vanguard that recent developments in ongoing security operations have strengthened officials’ confidence that the teachers and pupils could regain their freedom in the coming days.
A senior government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the operation, said security agencies had made significant progress in tracking the kidnappers.
“There are encouraging developments that cannot be disclosed at this stage for operational reasons. What I can say is that the government has not relaxed for one day since the incident occurred.“
“The security agencies are working with credible intelligence, and there is strong optimism that the victims will be rescued safely,” the source said.
Another source involved in the operation disclosed that sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering had yielded useful leads.
“The operation is progressing in the right direction. We have gathered actionable intelligence, and several strategies are being deployed simultaneously. We are hopeful that the efforts will produce positive results very soon.“
“The rescue of the Adelabu family’s members has further boosted the morale of operatives on the field,” the source stated.
The renewed optimism followed the dramatic rescue of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were kidnapped in Ibadan earlier this month.
Mrs Adegoke and her children were abducted on June 3, 2026, while travelling to drop the boys at school, triggering widespread outrage and prompting swift intervention by security agencies.
Following the abduction, Governor Seyi Makinde assured the family and residents of the state that every available resource would be deployed to secure the safe return of the victims.
The governor personally visited Adelabu and members of his family, reiterating the government’s commitment to rescuing the victims.
Addressing journalists after the visit, Makinde said, “I actually came to brief him on what the government has been doing regarding that incident. My visit is also to let him know that by the grace of God, we will bring her and her sons back.”
Barely 24 hours after the governor’s assurance, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force successfully rescued Mrs Adegoke and her sons during a tactical operation carried out on Saturday evening.
Police sources disclosed that the operation culminated in a fierce gun battle between security operatives and members of the kidnapping gang.
Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while two firearms were recovered from the criminals. The victims were rescued unharmed.
A senior police source familiar with the operation said intelligence-driven policing and sustained pressure on the kidnappers played a critical role in the successful outcome.
“Our operatives maintained relentless pressure on the kidnappers through intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical deployments.“
“The criminals were eventually forced into a confrontation, which led to the rescue of the victims. Investigations are continuing and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang,” the source said.
Security operatives are said to be combing surrounding forests and neighbouring communities in search of fleeing members of the syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
The successful rescue operation has fuelled optimism among residents of Oyo State, particularly among families of the abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
Some community leaders and residents who spoke with Vanguard expressed confidence that security agencies would replicate the success recorded in the Ibadan operation and secure the release of the schoolchildren and their teachers.
A community leader, Alhaji Kola Ajisafe said residents were encouraged by the recent rescue operation, adding, “The successful rescue of Mrs Adegoke and her children has given many of us renewed hope.“
“It shows that the security agencies are making progress and that no effort is being spared. We are praying and believing that the children and their teachers will soon return home safely,” he said.
Meanwhile, government sources maintained that Governor Makinde has continued to receive regular security briefings on the school abduction and has directed all relevant agencies to sustain ongoing operations until the victims are safely reunited with their families.
“The governor remains deeply concerned about the welfare of the victims and their families. He has consistently emphasised that the safe rescue of every kidnapped person remains a priority for the administration.“
“The state government is working closely with all security agencies to achieve that objective,” another senior official said.
