Parents of pupils abducted during attacks on communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly rejected relief materials and financial assistance provided by government representatives, insisting that their priority is the safe return of their children.
Drivetvnews gathered that the disclosure was made by the traditional ruler of Yawota, Baale Emmanuel Alade, during an interview in which he recounted the events surrounding the attack on the community.
According to the monarch, he noticed unfamiliar individuals moving through the area shortly before gunfire erupted. Residents soon realised that armed attackers had invaded the community, forcing people to flee for safety.
He explained that several pupils and teachers were taken away during the assault, while a resident who attempted to confront the attackers was shot dead.
Baale Alade revealed that government officials later visited the community to sympathise with affected families. The delegation reportedly brought bags of rice and cash donations as relief support.
However, grieving parents declined the assistance, maintaining that no amount of money or food could replace their missing children.
According to the monarch, the parents made it clear that their only demand was the safe rescue and return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, targeted schools in the Esiele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities of Oriire Local Government Area. More than 40 pupils, students, and teachers were reportedly abducted during the incident, while an assistant headmaster, Mr. Adesiyan Adegboye, was killed.
The crisis has continued to generate widespread concern across the country. Videos released by some of the captives have shown abducted teachers appealing for government intervention and urgent rescue efforts.
Public outrage intensified after reports emerged that one of the kidnapped teachers, mathematics instructor Michael Oyedokun, was killed by his captors.
In response to the deteriorating situation, President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed specialised security personnel to strengthen efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and launched solidarity protests across the country to demand immediate action and the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
As anxiety continues to grow among families and residents, calls for stronger security measures and a swift rescue operation have intensified.
