Kidnappers of Oyo Schoolchildren Narrow Demands to Ransom, Sources Say

Kidnappers holding 39 students and seven teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, have reportedly dropped most initial demands and are now focused on ransom payments, security sources said.

The gunmen, suspected to be Ansaru militants, initially demanded four things: release of detained commanders, ransom, two Hilux vehicles, and enforcement of Sharia-related laws.

Among the commanders named were Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam. Both are senior Ansaru members arrested by the DSS last year.

The victims were abducted May 15, 2026, when attackers struck three schools in Oriire LGA and took 46 people. Security sources said troops have surrounded a hideout in the National Park forest believed to be holding the hostages, blocking escape routes.

Under pressure, the terrorists recently killed one abducted teacher, sources said, in an attempt to stall the rescue operation.

Sources added that the gang leader is an Oriire indigene who lived in the area before allegedly being radicalized by Ansaru.

The affected communities lie near Nigeria’s border corridor toward Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, a region of difficult terrain and poor communication networks.

Intelligence reports had earlier warned of planned school attacks, prompting temporary closure of some schools as a preventive measure. 

Security agencies said sustained military offensives have forced insurgents from traditional strongholds, leading to increased attacks on civilian communities. They reported that at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders have been neutralized in recent operations, with others arrested. Many have fled to neighboring countries.

A senior security officer, speaking anonymously, expressed confidence in the ongoing operation: “The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relent until these criminals are eliminated or forced out. The signs of victory are evident.”