Oyo govt rejects N1bn ransom demand, release of inmates for abducted Oriire teachers, pupils

By Bukola Hameed

The Oyo State Government has rejected the conditions reportedly set by abductors of students and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, including a N1 billion ransom demand, the release of suspected bandits in custody, and the provision of vehicles and weapons.

Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed the demands during plenary while briefing lawmakers on developments surrounding the abduction.

According to the Speaker, the kidnappers allegedly directed that the N1 billion ransom be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin. They also demanded the release of suspected bandits currently being held at the Agodi and Abolongo correctional facilities, as well as the provision of two Hilux vans.

Ogundoyin further revealed that the abductors requested weapons and sought assurances that future legislation would not be enacted to criminalise or hinder their activities.

Describing the demands as outrageous, unreasonable and unacceptable, the Speaker warned against yielding to them, stressing that compliance would only embolden criminal elements and strengthen their operations.

He, however, reassured residents that both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government were intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted teachers and students.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has generated widespread concern across Oyo State, particularly following reports that one of the abducted teachers died in captivity.

Ogundoyin urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies as efforts to rescue the remaining captives continue.