Nigeria's military has successfully rescued all 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped two months ago from three schools in Oyo state. The army confirmed several soldiers died during the month-long rescue mission.
The victims, taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, LA Primary School, and Community Grammar School on May 15, are now receiving medical treatment. Families expressed relief after an agonizing wait.
"It was a harrowing experience... but we thank God that it ended well," said Prof Wole Alamu, whose wife was among those abducted. The operation involved military, police, and intelligence agencies who dismantled the kidnappers' network in the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The mass kidnapping drew national attention because it occurred in the predominantly Christian south-west, unlike more common attacks in the Muslim north. Teachers' union leader Hassan Ajibola urged full implementation of the decade-old Safe School Initiative.
Critics demand investigation into how Safe School Initiative funds have been used as Nigeria faces continued security challenges ahead of next year's general election.