‘Bring Back Our Children’: Oyo Families Reject Cash, Rice from Government Officials

Families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State have rejected relief materials and monetary support offered by government officials, declaring that their focus remains the rescue and safe return of those still in captivity.

The revelation was made by the Baale of Yawota, Emmanuel Alade, during an interview in which he described the community’s response following the kidnapping incident in Orire Local Government Area.

According to the traditional leader, officials who visited the community to express sympathy brought food items and cash assistance, but the gesture was declined by affected families.

“When the government officials came, they came with rice and money, but the parents rejected it.

“The women who are government officials on Governor Seyi Makinde’s team came to console us. They brought rice and money, but the parents said they did not want it. They said what they wanted was for their children to be released.”

Alade recalled that shortly before the attack, he saw unfamiliar men moving through the community but did not suspect any danger.

“On the day the incident happened, I was sitting here when I saw them pass by, but I did not know them. Not long after, we started hearing gunshots. People said bandits had entered the community and everyone ran away.”

He added that one individual who attempted to confront the attackers was killed, while several children were taken away.

“The person who went to meet them was killed, and that was how the students were taken away. Little children were abducted while the gunmen kept shooting.”

Following the attack, residents alerted security agencies, and police officers later visited the area.

The incident has attracted significant attention from both state and federal authorities.

Governor Seyi Makinde recently met with families of the abducted pupils and school personnel in Ahoro-Esiele community, assuring them that security agencies were making every effort to secure their release.

The following day, a federal government delegation headed by Femi Gbajabiamila visited the affected communities on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu.

Other members of the delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa.

They assured residents that government was deploying all necessary resources to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The mass abduction, which took place more than two weeks ago, has intensified fears among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures in vulnerable communities across Oyo State.

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