The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has welcomed the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community, Oyo State, describing the development as a major relief for the victims’ families and the country.

In a statement signed and released by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Friday night, the NGF congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the outcome of the rescue operation.

“The Forum received with joy and relief the news of the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community in Oyo State,” the statement said.

It said the rescue followed “months of high-level coordination, intelligence gathering, and disciplined execution.”

The governors also rejoiced with the families of the victims.

“The Forum also rejoices with the families of the victims on the successful rescue which have now reunited them with their precious children and relations.”

The NGF commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government, which it said contributed to the successful operation.

“We are especially proud of the commitment and professionalism of our security forces throughout the operation. We are confident that this impressive multi-agency collaboration will yield more successes as the security forces do more to neutralise all threats and rescue our citizens who are still trapped in the den of kidnappers,” the statement added.

While sympathising with families affected by kidnapping and other violent crimes, the Forum urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.

“While we sincerely share in the grief of families and communities impacted by kidnapping and related incidents, we appeal to citizens to continue to support government’s efforts to protect lives and property in every part of the country, including giving timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies,” the statement said.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, said it received with immense joy the news of the release of the teachers and learners who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their freedom as a victory for humanity and a source of renewed confidence for the education sector.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami, the union said the safe return of the victims has lifted a heavy burden from the hearts of teachers, pupils, students, parents, relatives, and all lovers of education across Oyo State and beyond.

The union noted that the incident tested the resolve of the education community but commended teachers across the state for remaining united and steadfast while hoping and praying for the safe return of their colleagues and learners.

The NUT particularly expressed profound appreciation to the government of Nigeria, starting from the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Oyo State Government led by Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSC, DSC, GSSRS, for demonstrating the political will needed to ensure that every available resource was deployed towards securing the safe release of the victims.

The union also lauded the commitment, professionalism, and courage of the security agencies whose tireless operations and collaboration led to the successful rescue of our people unhurt, describing their efforts as reassuring to citizens and particularly to those within the education sector.

The statement further appreciated the National and Regional Leadership of the union led by Comrade Audu Titu Amba, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions (NLC), Oyo State MoES&T, government functionaries, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, media, civil society organisations, global education community and countless Nigerians whose prayers, words of encouragement, and solidarity gave strength to the families of the victims throughout the period of the untold agony and uncertainty.

While celebrating this joyful development, the union commiserated with the families of those gallant colleagues who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident and urged the Governments at all levels not to relent in their efforts to strengthen security around schools and communities.

It stressed that every child deserves to learn in a safe environment and every teacher deserves to carry out his or her professional duties without fear.

The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote safe schools programmes and quality education.

It further expressed confidence that the unfortunate incident would further strengthen the collective resolve to protect lives and the future of every Nigerian.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday was at the Military Hospital in Ibadan to visit the rescued Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, who are currently receiving treatment and care at the facility.

The victims were the pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, and had spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.

The Federal Government announced their rescue on Friday, with Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosing that security agencies successfully secured the release of all the captives.