What Oyo kidnappers want before freeing captive pupils

Terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly outlined four conditions for the release of the captives.

The abductors, who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.

Among those whose release is being sought are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

The duo are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.

They are accused of supporting terrorist activities between 2013 and 2015 and have also been linked to the 2022 Kuje prison break.

Both men were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Usman was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in September 2025 after pleading guilty to illegal mining charges, which prosecutors said helped fund terrorism and kidnapping operations. However, he remains in custody over other pending terrorism-related charges.

His deputy, Abba, has pleaded not guilty and is also standing trial.

Reports further indicate that the kidnappers are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin, although the figure has not been independently verified.

Security experts have warned against conceding to the demands, particularly the release of detained terror suspects, arguing that such a move could embolden criminal groups and threaten national security.

The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or ongoing negotiations. Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing government strategy at this stage could undermine efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The abduction crisis took a tragic turn on May 17 when the kidnappers released a video showing the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, later confirmed the teacher’s death and described the incident as deeply painful.

The reported demands include the release of detained Ansaru commanders, payment of ransom reportedly put at ₦1 billion, provision of two Hilux vehicles and implementation of Sharia-related law before the captives are freed.