The traditional ruler of Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Baale Emmanuel Alade, has disclosed that parents of schoolchildren abducted by gunmen have rejected relief materials and cash assistance provided by government officials, insisting instead on the safe return of their children.

Speaking in a video interview shared by News Central, the monarch recounted the events leading to the attack, noting that he observed suspicious movements shortly before the gunmen struck.

“I was sitting here when I saw them pass by, but I don’t know them at all. Not quite long after, we started hearing gunshots. They said bandits had entered the community and everyone ran away. The person that went to see them was gunned down,” he said.

Baale Alade explained that the attackers abducted several pupils and teachers during the raid, adding that the assailants continued shooting as they carried out the operation.

“That was how the students were taken away. Little children were taken away while they kept shooting,” he added.

According to him, government officials later visited the community with relief materials, including bags of rice and cash donations, accompanied by representatives linked to Governor Seyi Makinde. However, the gesture was rejected by grieving parents.

“When government officials came, they came with rice and money. The parents rejected it. They said what they want is the release of their children,” the monarch stated.

Naija News reports that the attack occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen invaded three schools in Esiele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting over 40 pupils, students, and teachers. An assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan Adegboye, was killed during the incident.

Subsequent videos circulating online reportedly showed two abducted teachers pleading for rescue and government intervention. Another video allegedly captured the killing of a kidnapped mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with residents and stakeholders demanding urgent action to secure the victims’ release.

In response, President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free the abducted victims.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted across several states, with demonstrators calling on authorities to act swiftly. The protests, which began on Monday, continued into Tuesday as pressure mounts on the government to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.