God Answered Prayers Over Oyo Pupils’ Rescue, Says RCCG

OYO, Nigeria — The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has hailed the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State as a divine intervention and direct answer to weeks of intense prayers and fasting.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday, the church expressed gratitude to God and the security agencies involved in the operation that secured the victims’ freedom after 57 days in captivity.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG, had earlier revealed during a June 23 event in Washington, D.C., that God promised a dramatic release for the captives. According to him, the church intensified prayers following the killing of one teacher in captivity.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities within Oriire Local Government Area. No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken.

During the ordeal, teacher Joel Adesiyan was killed while trying to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the kidnappers. The abductors had demanded ransom, release of detained terrorist commanders, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of certain Sharia-related laws.

The Oyo State Government had maintained its firm stance against paying ransom. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the rescue, noting that security agencies conducted the operation without any concessions to the terrorists.

NaijaChoice News reports that Adeboye had used the same Washington platform to draw attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, which has spread from the northern parts of the country to the South. He defended President Bola Tinubu’s directives to the military while calling for stronger action against sponsors of terrorism.

The development brings relief to families in Oyo State and underscores the power of collective prayer alongside security efforts in tackling kidnapping in Nigeria.

This rescue highlights the resilience of Nigerian communities and the critical need for sustained collaboration between faith leaders, government, and security forces to restore lasting peace in affected regions.