The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday, congratulated the schoolchildren and their teachers who were rescued unharmed in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing their release as a significant relief following months of anxiety and grief.

LAUTECH, in a statement issued by the University’s Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, commended the Federal and State Governments, as well as the combined security forces, for their roles in securing the victims’ release.

Balogun said the abduction, which occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, left an indelible mark on Oyo State, while the successful rescue of the victims on Friday, July 10, 2026, had gone a long way in assuaging the pain caused by the incident and its attendant events.

The registrar added, “The university management, staff and students expressed joy over the safe rescue of the victims from the Old Oyo National Park,” noting that “the institution shared in the grief occasioned by the incident, particularly as the spouses of two members of its staff were among those abducted.

“Having shared in the grief occasioned by the abduction, as the spouses of two of our staff members were victims, we, as a university, are profoundly grateful that they have regained their freedom and can now reunite with their families, colleagues, and the wider community.

“LAUTECH commends the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and the combined security forces for their roles in securing the victims’ release.

“The university specifically acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as the courage and professionalism of the security personnel involved in the rescue operation.

“The successful operation underscores the importance of collective vigilance and demonstrates the resilience of the nation in the face of adversity.”

The university, therefore, reaffirmed its solidarity with the rescued victims, their families, the people of the local government, and the Ogbomoso community, while praying for the victims’ healing and full restoration.

LAUTECH also reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety, peace, and the protection of educational institutions across Nigeria.

PUNCH Online reports that over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted during a coordinated attack at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, on Friday, May 15, 2026 and were rescued on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.