The Mercy Helpline Initiative (MHI) welcomes with profound relief the news of the release of the pupils and teachers who were abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on May 15, 2026.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the victims have finally regained their freedom after nearly two months in captivity. This development has been confirmed by multiple news outlets.
MHI commends the efforts of the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and security agencies that led to this positive outcome. We also acknowledge the role of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), whose advocacy and suspension of strike following government assurances contributed to the urgency of this matter.
While we are grateful for the safe return of the victims, this incident underscores the persistent threat to educational institutions across Nigeria. We extend our heartfelt solidarity to the freed individuals, their families, and the entire Oyo State community. We recognize the trauma they have endured and call for comprehensive psychosocial support to aid their reintegration and recovery.
MHI reiterates its call for all levels of government to implement robust and sustainable measures to protect schools and learning environments. This includes the full operationalization of the Safe Schools Initiative, strengthening intelligence-gathering and early warning systems, and deploying security personnel to vulnerable schools to prevent future abductions.
We urge the government to ensure the swift prosecution of the perpetrators and to hold all those responsible for this heinous act accountable. No ransom should be paid, and justice must be served.
The release of these victims is a testament to what can be achieved through coordinated effort. We must now channel this momentum into creating a safer Nigeria where no child or teacher has to fear for their life in a place of learning. An attack on education is an attack on our collective future.
Signed
Samuel Solomon
Executive Director
Mercy Helpline Initiative (MHI)
#FreeOurChildren #BringThemHome #SafeSchools #MHI #Oyo #Nigeria
