The terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly set four conditions for the release of their captives.
The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15. According to reports, the abductors are demanding the release of two detained terror commanders, payment of a ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
The commanders 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, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, or Mallam Mamuda. Both are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
The duo are accused of supporting terrorist activities between 2013 and 2015 and have also been linked to the 2022 Kuje prison attack. Arrested between May and July 2025, they are currently facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Usman was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in September 2025 after admitting to illegal mining used to finance terrorism and kidnapping activities. However, he remains in DSS custody while facing 31 additional terrorism-related charges. Abba has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and remains on trial.
Reports also indicate that the kidnappers are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom, allegedly 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 yielding to the demands. Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi said releasing terrorist commanders or paying ransom could strengthen criminal networks and encourage further attacks. Another retired military officer, Brigadier-General Peter Aro, urged authorities to first obtain proof that the abductees are still alive before considering any negotiations.
The Oyo State Government has remained silent on the reported demands. Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing details of ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release would be counterproductive.
Meanwhile, the crisis took a tragic turn when the abductors released a video on May 17 showing the killing of one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele. Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed the teacher’s death, describing the incident as painful and heartbreaking.