Families of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State have reportedly rejected rice and cash donations offered by government officials, insisting that their primary concern is the safe return of their loved ones.
The development comes amid growing public outrage over the continued captivity of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to community leaders, government representatives who visited the affected families brought food items and financial support as part of efforts to console them. However, the families declined the assistance, saying no amount of relief materials could replace the need to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Speaking to journalists, the Baale of Oriire community said the parents unanimously rejected the gifts, stressing that their focus remains on the rescue of the abducted victims. He noted that delegations from both the federal and state governments had visited the community with rice and cash support, but the offers were turned down.
“The parents rejected the rice and money. They said what they want is the safe release of their children,” the traditional ruler was quoted as saying.
The abduction occurred in May when armed assailants attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso, abducting pupils, students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The incident has triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger security measures in schools.
The kidnapping has also sparked a series of protests by teachers, civil society groups and residents demanding urgent government action. Demonstrators in Ibadan and Ogbomoso have called on authorities to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the victims.
In response to the crisis, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike, citing concerns over the safety of educators and students and the prolonged detention of the abductees.
The Federal Government has since announced additional security measures, including the deployment of a special rescue team and the recruitment of forest guards, as efforts continue to locate and free the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
Residents of the affected communities have urged security agencies to intensify search operations, warning that the continued captivity of the victims is deepening anxiety among families and disrupting educational activities across the area.
