Families of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oyo State have rejected cash and relief materials offered by government officials, insisting that their only concern is the safe return of their loved ones.
The Baale of Yawota community in Orire Local Government Area, Emmanuel Alade, disclosed this during an interview with News Central on Monday, as anxiety continues to mount over the fate of the victims who were kidnapped more than two weeks ago.
According to Alade, government representatives who visited the affected communities to sympathise with residents were met with resistance when they attempted to distribute rice and cash donations.
“When the government officials came, they brought rice and money, but the parents rejected them,” Alade said.
“The women who are part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s team came to console us. They brought rice and money, but the parents said they did not want any of it. Their only demand is for their children to be released safely.”
Alade also narrated how the attack unfolded, revealing that he noticed unfamiliar individuals moving through the community shortly before gunfire erupted.
“On the day the incident happened, I was sitting here when I saw some strangers pass by, but I did not know who they were. Not long after, we started hearing gunshots. People began shouting that bandits had invaded the community, and everyone ran for safety,” he recounted.
He added that a resident who attempted to approach the armed men was killed during the attack.
“The person who went to meet them was shot dead, and that was how the students were taken away. Little children were abducted while the gunmen continued shooting indiscriminately,” he said.
Following the attack, community leaders reported the incident to the police, who subsequently visited the area as investigations and rescue efforts commenced.
The development comes amid intensified efforts by both the Oyo State and Federal Governments to secure the release of the abductees.
Governor Seyi Makinde had on Saturday visited families of the kidnapped pupils and staff members at Ahoro-Esiele community, assuring them that security agencies were working tirelessly to rescue the victims.
Makinde stated that his administration had strengthened security operations and engagements since the incident occurred, pledging that all abductees would be rescued and reunited with their families.
A day later, a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited Esiele and Yawota communities on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The delegation, which included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, assured residents that all available security resources were being deployed to ensure the victims’ safe return.
The mass abduction has sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and neighbouring communities, reigniting debates over insecurity in rural areas and border communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
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