The pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga announced that the victims had been rescued through the efforts of security agencies.

In a video released after the rescue, the freed pupils and teachers expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.

"Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies," Onanuga wrote in a post on his verified X account.

The rescue brings to an end weeks of anxiety following the abduction of the pupils and teachers during attacks on communities in Oriire LGA.

The incident sparked widespread outrage across the country, with labour unions, civil society organisations and residents demanding urgent government intervention to secure their release.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers had earlier directed an indefinite withdrawal of services by teachers in Oyo State and called for nationwide solidarity protests over the prolonged captivity of the victims, while the Take-It-Back Movement also organised demonstrations to press for their unconditional release.

As of the time of the announcement, authorities had yet to disclose details of how the operation was carried out, whether any suspects were arrested, or whether any ransom was paid.

The rescued pupils and teachers are expected to undergo medical examinations and receive necessary care after their ordeal, while security agencies continue investigations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the abduction.