Hope is rising for the safe release of 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security operatives rev up efforts to rescue the victims.

Multiple security sources disclosed that troops and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation have effectively surrounded a hideout within the National Park forest area where the abducted pupils and teachers are believed to be held.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, abducting pupils and teachers.

According to security sources, the terrorists have been effectively contained within the forest, with security operatives blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.

Faced with mounting pressure and the likelihood of capture, the terrorists have reportedly resorted to desperate tactics, including the recent gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers, apparently in an attempt to blackmail authorities and halt the ongoing rescue operation.

The terrorists initially presented four major demands, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.

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