Parents of abducted Oyo schoolchildren reject government support packages, call for urgent rescue of kidnapped students

Families of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by armed groups in Nigeria’s Oyo State have refused food and cash offered by government representatives, insisting that only the safe return of the victims matters.

Community leader Emmanuel Alade, the traditional head (Baale) of Yawota, said residents were frustrated when officials arrived with relief materials instead of concrete updates on rescue efforts. According to him, the parents firmly rejected rice and money, saying their priority is the return of their children alive.

He described how armed men moved through the community shortly before gunfire erupted, forcing residents to flee. One person who attempted to intervene was reportedly killed, after which the attackers abducted schoolchildren and staff.

The incident has intensified insecurity concerns in border communities within Oyo State, where residents say attacks have become increasingly frequent.

State authorities, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, have met with affected families and assured them that security operations are ongoing to rescue the victims. The governor said security agencies have stepped up coordination since the incident and vowed that all abducted persons would be brought home safely.

At the federal level, a delegation sent by President Bola Tinubu visited the affected communities. The team included senior security officials such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa. They assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to secure the release of the abductees.

House of Representatives former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila also joined the federal delegation, reiterating government commitment to resolving the crisis.

The mass abduction, which occurred weeks ago, has sparked protests and growing public anger across nearby communities in Oyo and neighbouring areas, as families continue to demand urgent action rather than humanitarian assistance.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share