The Redeemed Christian Church of God has described the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as an answer to prayers, thanking God and security agencies for securing their freedom.

In a post on its official X handle on Friday, the church said the rescue of the victims fulfilled God’s promise after weeks of prayers and fasting.

“And our God arose like He promised! Let somebody shout Hallelujah!! Glory be to our God for answering our prayers and fulfilling His word.

“We appreciate the efforts of all the security agencies in securing the release of our school children and their teachers from captivity. Congratulations to each of them and their families. Our God answers prayers. Hallelujah!!!” the church wrote.

The post was accompanied by a video of the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, speaking during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.

In the video, Adeboye disclosed that the church had been praying and fasting for the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren after one of their teachers was killed in captivity.

“We have been fasting, we have been praying for a particular group of school children that were captured and the kidnappers felt that the government was not reacting fast enough to give them the money they asked for.

“They slaughtered their teacher and showed the video to the rest of the world. And then God spoke to me, told me that as for the release of the children, it’s going to be dramatic. But He didn’t tell me the time or the details,” Adeboye said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Adeboye raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity during the same event, saying terrorism and kidnapping had spread from northern Nigeria to the South.

He also defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over insecurity, arguing that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military, while urging him to give military commanders a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorism and go after those financing the attacks.

PUNCH Online also reported on Friday that the abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom after spending 57 days in captivity.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development, saying security agencies successfully rescued the victims.

According to him, no concession was made to the terrorists during the operation.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were kidnapped during the attacks.

During the incident, teacher Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the kidnappers.

The abductors had reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before freeing the captives.

However, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ release. (The PUNCH)

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