Families of pupils, students and teachers abducted by gunmen in Yawota Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have rejected rice and cash donations from government representatives, insisting that their only concern is the safe return of their loved ones.
The Baale of Yawota disclosed this while speaking about the aftermath of the attack, saying affected families made it clear that material assistance could not replace the children and teachers still being held by their captors.
According to the traditional ruler, heavily armed bandits stormed the community, firing gunshots indiscriminately before abducting several pupils and teachers.
“They took away little children and continued shooting during the attack,” he said.
The Baale explained that community leaders immediately alerted the Nigeria Police Force after the attackers fled. He commended security operatives for responding swiftly and visiting the scene to gather details about the incident.
However, when government delegates later arrived with bags of rice and financial support for affected families, the gesture was turned down.
“The parents rejected the rice and money. They said what they want is the safe release of their children,” the Baale stated.
He added that a delegation of women sent by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also visited the community to sympathise with families.
According to him, the delegation similarly offered rice and monetary support, but the families declined.
“They came with rice and money, but the parents rejected it, saying they only want their children released,” he said.
The abduction occurred on May 16 when armed assailants attacked the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso, kidnapping pupils, students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The incident has intensified concerns about insecurity in the area, with residents urging authorities and security agencies to step up efforts to rescue the victims and strengthen protection for schools and communities.
