Families of students abducted from a school in Nigeria’s southwestern Oyo State have expressed relief after security forces rescued the children and their teachers following nearly two months in captivity. The rescued victims are receiving medical treatment and psychological support at a military hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where health officials are conducting medical assessments before they are reunited with their families. Jeremiah Jandeh, whose child was among those rescued, said he was overwhelmed with emotion after the rescue was confirmed. “When I heard they had been rescued, I was only a bit happy because I wanted to be sure it was true,” he said, adding that he now has “peace of mind.” The abduction drew national attention because it occurred in southwestern Nigeria, where large-scale school kidnappings have historically been less common than in the country’s northern regions.
School abductions have become a persistent security challenge in Nigeria over the past decade, with armed groups targeting students and staff to demand ransom payments or pressure the government. The attacks have disrupted education, forced school closures and heightened concerns about the safety of children across the country. Authorities have not disclosed details of the rescue operation or whether any ransom was paid. Investigations are ongoing as security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. The successful rescue has been welcomed by families and community leaders, who have renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and prevent future kidnappings.
