Families of the pupils and teachers recently abducted by bandits in Oyo State have rejected relief materials and cash donations presented by government officials, declaring that their sole priority is the immediate and safe return of their loved ones.
The community's stance was disclosed by the Baale of Yawota, Emmanuel Alade, during an interview with News Central on Monday. Alade detailed the community's response following an attack in the Orire Local Government Area, noting that residents turned away government representatives who arrived to offer palliatives.
“When the government officials came, they brought rice and money, but the parents rejected it,” Alade stated. “The female 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 emphasized that their only demand is the release of their children.”
Recounting the day of the incident, the traditional leader explained that he observed unfamiliar individuals passing through the area shortly before violence erupted.
“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 fled,” Alade recounted. He added that one resident who attempted to confront the attackers was killed, after which the gunmen abducted several young children while maintaining heavy gunfire.
The rejection of the relief items coincides with a series of high-profile visits by state and federal delegations aimed at reassuring the affected border communities.
On Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met with the families of the abducted citizens at the Ahoro-Esiele community. Governor Makinde assured residents that security agencies have intensified operations and meetings since the incident, pledging that his administration is working tirelessly to ensure all victims are brought home safely.
Following the governor's visit, a federal government delegation arrived in the Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday under the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa. The officials assured the community that all available national security resources are currently deployed to secure the release of the hostages.
The mass abduction, which took place over two weeks ago, has heightened security anxieties among residents and renewed concerns regarding the vulnerability of Oyo State’s border communities.