Tinubu: No Ransom Paid in Oyo Kidnapping Rescue

President Bola Tinubu declared that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made in the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oyo State. The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked a school in the Ahoro Esinl Yawota Alawusa Community, seizing approximately 39 pupils and seven teachers.

One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the captors, who are linked to the Ansaru terrorist faction. The group had initially demanded the release of two high-profile detainees.

The Nigerian government rejected these demands, and a military operation led by the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services successfully rescued the victims, arresting eight suspects in the process. President Tinubu praised the efforts of the military and security agencies, emphasizing the government's commitment to pursuing and protecting Nigerians from terrorism and insecurity.