By Julienne Okisho
Oyo Kidnap: Parents Say “We Don’t Want Rice or Money, Just Our Children Back”
Parents of students and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State have turned down rice and cash from government officials. Their message is simple: bring our children home first.
The incident happened over 2 weeks ago in Yawota and Esiele communities, Orire Local Government Area. Bandits stormed the area, started shooting, and took children + teachers away. One community member who tried to intervene was killed.
Baale of Yawota, Emmanuel Alade, said government officials visited on Monday to comfort families. They came with bags of rice and cash donations. The parents refused it.
“When they came with rice and money, the parents said no,” Alade told News Central. “What they want is for their children to be released. That’s all that matters now.”
Alade said he saw strange people pass through before the attack. “Not long after, we heard gunshots. Everyone ran. The children were taken while the gunmen kept firing.” Police later came to the community after residents reported it.
Since the abduction, top officials have been visiting: Gov Seyi Makinde met families in Ahoro-Esiele on Saturday. He promised security agencies are working nonstop to rescue everyone. Also, Federal delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila, plus NSA Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Olatunji Disu, and CDS Gen. Christopher Musa, visited Sunday on President Tinubu’s orders. They assured residents all resources are being used to get the victims back.
For families in Yawota and Esiele, nothing else matters right now. No rice, no money. Just their children and teachers coming home safely.
The attack has raised fresh fears in border communities of Oyo State where bandit attacks have been increasing.
