From: Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has praised security agencies for the safe rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling the operation proof that intelligence-led teamwork can effectively combat kidnapping.
The human rights organization stated that the successful rescue, announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, brought relief to the victims’ families and renewed hope in Nigeria’s security efforts.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote on his verified X account. He also noted that no concessions were made to the terrorists to free the victims.
The kidnapping happened on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota areas of Oriire LGA.
During the attack, teacher Joel Adesiyan was killed while trying to escape, and another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in the kidnappers’ hideout. At least 39 students and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, CDHR said the rescue shows the need for ongoing commitment from governments, security agencies, and communities to address Nigeria’s security issues.
“This successful rescue is not just a reason to celebrate; it’s a reminder that strong teamwork among government, security agencies, and communities is the surest way to defeat insecurity in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The organization also praised the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, local security volunteers, and other emergency responders for their professionalism and intelligence-driven efforts.
However, CDHR warned that the rescue should not be the end of government action. It called for immediate medical checkups, trauma care, counseling, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation to help victims recover physically and emotionally.
“The trauma of kidnapping does not end with freedom; it must be addressed through deliberate and sustained government intervention,” the group said.
The committee also urged the Federal Government to build on this success by launching a continuous nationwide campaign against kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and violent extremism.
It recommended a comprehensive national plan that includes strengthening school security through improved infrastructure, surveillance technology, intelligence gathering, adequate security personnel, and faster emergency response systems.
CDHR further called on traditional leaders, religious heads, civil society groups, schools, community development organizations, youth and women’s groups, vigilante groups, and residents to collaborate closely with security agencies by providing credible intelligence and supporting early warning systems.
“The fight against insecurity cannot be won by security agencies alone. Every citizen has a civic duty to support lawful efforts to protect lives and communities by sharing reliable information and staying alert. Criminals thrive where communities are indifferent; they fail when citizens and security agencies work together,” the organization added.
The group expressed solidarity with the rescued teachers, students, and their families. It reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that ensure the safety, dignity, and basic rights of Nigerians by continuing to invest in intelligence, community policing, victim services, and the prevention of violent extremism.