By Ene Rebecca
June 6, 2026
Armed men who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly outlined conditions for the release of their captives, including the release of two detained terror suspects, payment of a ₦1 billion ransom, provision of vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
The victims were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, when gunmen stormed the institutions and took away students and members of staff. According to reports, the abductors have presented four key demands before they will consider releasing those in captivity.
Among the demands is the release of Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, who is also known by several aliases, including Isah Adam and Mallam Mamuda. The two men are reportedly linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a group that split from Boko Haram and has been associated with several attacks across Nigeria.
Security records indicate that both suspects were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Usman has also been convicted in a separate illegal mining case after admitting that proceeds from the activity were used to fund weapons procurement for kidnappings and attacks. He remains in the custody of the Department of State Services while other charges are pending, while Abba has pleaded not guilty and remains on trial.
The kidnappers are also said to be demanding that approximately ₦1 billion be paid into an account in the Republic of Benin, alongside the provision of two Hilux vehicles. Security experts have cautioned against conceding to the demands, warning that doing so could worsen the country’s security challenges. Retired military officer Bashir Adewinbi reportedly said that releasing the suspects or paying the ransom could encourage further attacks, while another retired officer, Peter Aro, urged authorities to first ascertain the condition of the abductees before making any decisions.
The Oyo State Government has not disclosed details of any negotiations, maintaining that revealing operational strategies could jeopardise rescue efforts. The abduction has generated widespread concern across the state, with teachers’ unions and community members calling for urgent action to secure the victims’ release.
Shortly after the kidnapping, the abductors released a video showing the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the teacher’s death and described the incident as a painful loss for the state. Efforts by security agencies to rescue the remaining pupils and teachers are ongoing.
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