Families reject rice, cash gifts, demand release of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

Families of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo State have reportedly rejected rice and cash offered by government officials, insisting that the safe return of their loved ones remains their only concern.

The Baale of Yawota, Emmanuel Alade, disclosed this during an interview on Monday, revealing that parents turned down relief materials brought by members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s team.

According to Alade, government officials visited the affected communities to sympathise with residents and offered rice and money, but the gesture was rejected by grieving families.

“The parents said they did not want rice or money. What they want is for their children to be released and returned home safely,” he said.

Alade also recounted how the attack unfolded, explaining that gunmen stormed the community shortly after he noticed unfamiliar faces passing through the area.

“Not long after they passed, we started hearing gunshots. People began running when it became clear that bandits had invaded the community. A man who approached them was killed, while several schoolchildren were abducted,” he said.

The community leader noted that the incident was immediately reported to the police, who later visited the area.

The abduction, which occurred more than two weeks ago in Orire Local Government Area, has continued to generate concern across the country.

Governor Seyi Makinde recently met with families of the victims, assuring them that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Similarly, a Federal Government delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside Nuhu Ribadu, Olatunji Disu and Christopher Musa, visited the affected communities and assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to rescue the victims.

The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in border communities and heightened calls for stronger measures to protect schools and rural settlements from attacks by armed groups.

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