The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has expressed gratitude to God following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their freedom as a divine answer to weeks of prayers and fasting.
In a message shared on its official X account, the church praised God for what it described as the fulfilment of His promise and also commended security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
“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 post included a video of the church’s General Overseer, 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.
During his address, Adeboye revealed that the church had embarked on a period of fasting and prayers for the safe return of the abducted children after receiving reports that one of the teachers had been killed while 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.
At the same event, the cleric also voiced concern over Nigeria’s security situation, warning that terrorism and kidnapping had expanded beyond northern Nigeria into parts of the South.
Adeboye further defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over insecurity, saying the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military. He, however, urged the President to give military commanders a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorism and identify those financing the attacks.
The rescued pupils and teachers regained their freedom after spending 57 days in captivity. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the successful operation, stating that security agencies secured the victims’ release without making any concessions to the abductors.
The victims were kidnapped 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 of Oyo State.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were abducted during the coordinated attacks.
The incident claimed the life of teacher Joel Adesiyan, who was shot while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the kidnappers.
The abductors reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law as conditions for freeing the captives.
Despite the demands, the Oyo State Government consistently maintained that it would not negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers before the victims were eventually rescued by security operatives.
