Families of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State have rejected relief materials and cash donations offered by government officials, insisting that the immediate release of their loved ones remains their only concern.
The development was disclosed by the Baale of Yawota community in Orire Local Government Area, Emmanuel Alade, who spoke on the community’s response to visits by government representatives following the abduction.
According to Alade, officials who visited the affected communities to sympathise with residents arrived with bags of rice and cash assistance, but the gesture was turned down by the victims’ families.
“The government officials came with rice and money, but the parents rejected them,” he said. “They told the officials that what they wanted was not relief materials but the safe return of their children.”
He explained that members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s delegation, including female officials, had visited the community to offer support, but the parents remained focused on securing the release of the abductees.
Alade also recounted the events leading to the attack, stating that he noticed unfamiliar individuals moving through the area shortly before gunfire erupted.
“On the day of the incident, I saw some people passing through the community, but I did not know them. Shortly after, we began hearing gunshots and people started running, saying bandits had invaded the area,” he said.
He revealed that an individual who attempted to engage the attackers was killed, after which the gunmen abducted several pupils while continuing to fire shots.
“The children were taken away amid the shooting. It was a terrifying situation,” he added.
The community leader said residents subsequently alerted security agencies, prompting a response from the police.
The abduction, which occurred more than two weeks ago, has continued to generate public concern and protests in parts of Oyo and neighbouring Ogun State, with residents demanding swift action to secure the victims’ release.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier visited the affected families in Ahoro-Esiele community, assuring them that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and staff members.
Similarly, a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, , visited the affected communities on the directive of President .
The delegation, which included , and , assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The incident has renewed concerns over security challenges in border communities across Oyo State, with residents calling for stronger measures to prevent future attacks on schools and rural settlements.
