Terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area have issued a four-point list of demands for the release of the captives.
The gunmen attacked schools in Esinele (Esiele), Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15, 2026, kidnapping dozens of pupils and teachers. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in captivity, with a video of the killing released by the abductors.
According to reports, the abductors are demanding:
Release of two high-profile terrorist commanders: Mahmud Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar)
His deputy, Abubakar Abba (alias Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Mallam Mamuda)
The duo are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (JAMBS), also known as Ansaru, a splinter group of Boko Haram.
They face terrorism charges and were arrested in 2025. Usman was sentenced to 15 years for illegal mining used to fund terrorism.
Payment of ransom: Reports indicate a demand of ₦1 billion, to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin. This figure could not be independently verified.
Supply of two Hilux vehicles.
Implementation of Sharia-related laws in the state or region.
Security analysts and retired military officers have strongly warned against yielding to these demands, particularly the release of the commanders, saying it would embolden terrorists, compromise national security, and encourage further attacks.
They also advised confirming that the hostages are still alive before any negotiations.
The Oyo State Government has so far declined to comment publicly on the demands or ongoing negotiations. Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, described such disclosures as “unhelpful” while rescue efforts continue.
The abduction has sparked widespread outrage, protests by teachers and civil society groups, and calls for stronger security measures around schools.
Muslim leaders in Oyo have also rejected the demand for Sharia law, condemning the abduction as un-Islamic.
This incident remains a major security concern in the region, with security forces actively pursuing the abductors.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com