Families of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo State have rejected rice and cash brought by government officials, insisting that their priority is the safe return of their loved ones.
The Baale of Yawota community, Emmanuel Alade, disclosed this during an interview on Monday, describing the emotional response of residents following the abduction that occurred in Orire Local Government Area of the state.
According to Alade, government representatives who visited the affected communities to sympathise with victims’ families were turned away after offering relief materials and financial assistance.
Families Demand Release of Abducted Pupils and Teachers
“When the government officials came, they came with rice and money, but the parents rejected it,” Alade said.
“The women who are government officials on Governor Seyi Makinde’s team came to console us. They brought rice and money, but the parents said they did not want it. They said what they wanted was for their children to be released.”
The community leader explained that the families remain focused on the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, rather than receiving material support.
How the Oyo School Abduction Happened
Alade recounted the events leading up to the attack, stating that he noticed unfamiliar individuals moving through the community shortly before gunshots were heard.
“On the day the incident happened, I was sitting here when I saw them pass by, but I did not know them. Not long after, we started hearing gunshots. People said bandits had entered the community and everyone ran away,” he said.
“The person who went to meet them was killed, and that was how the students were taken away. Little children were abducted while the gunmen kept shooting.”
He added that the incident was immediately reported to the police, who later visited the area as part of ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
Makinde Assures Families of Rescue Efforts
The revelation comes amid intensified efforts by both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to secure the release of the abductees.
Governor Seyi Makinde recently met with families of the kidnapped pupils and school staff at Ahoro-Esiele community, assuring them that security agencies were working tirelessly to rescue the victims.
The governor said his administration had strengthened security operations and coordination meetings since the incident occurred and expressed confidence that all abductees would be rescued safely.
Federal Government Delegation Visits Affected Communities
A federal government delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also visited Esiele and Yawota communities on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa.
The officials assured residents that all available security resources were being mobilised to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Security Concerns Grow in Oyo Border Communities
The mass abduction, which occurred more than two weeks ago, has heightened anxiety among residents and renewed concerns over insecurity in communities located along Oyo State’s border corridors.
Residents have continued to call for stronger security presence and sustained operations to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
As rescue efforts continue, affected families maintain that their greatest concern remains the immediate and safe release of their children and loved ones.
