Oyo Abductors Issue Demands for Release of Pupils and Teachers

A group of terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has made a series of demands in exchange for the safe release of the captives. According to reports, the terrorists, who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15, are seeking the release of two detained terrorist commanders, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, as well as the payment of a ransom and the provision of two Hilux vehicles. Furthermore, they are also demanding the implementation of Sharia-related laws. The two commanders, who are leaders of the Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining, which he admitted was used to fund arms procurement for terrorism and kidnapping. His deputy, Abba, pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts and is also standing trial before the same court. The ransom demand is reportedly ₦1bn, which is to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin, although this figure has not been independently verified. Security analysts have warned that releasing the commanders would pose serious risks to national security, as it would embolden criminal groups and fund further attacks. Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi has stated that the situation has put the government in a difficult position, and paying ransom or releasing terrorist commanders would have negative consequences. Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, has urged the government to first establish proof that the abductees are still alive before taking any decision, noting that prolonged captivity poses serious risks, particularly for young children. The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or the state of negotiations, with the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, saying it would be 'unhelpful' to disclose the government's strategy while efforts to secure the victims' release are ongoing. On May 17, two days after the attack, the abductors released a video showing the beheading of one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing in a statement on Monday, May 18, describing it as deeply painful.