The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH), Oyo State, has congratulated the schoolchildren and their teachers rescued unharmed in 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, the institution 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 said: “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.”