Armed terrorists holding dozens of students and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo state have reportedly issued a series of demands, including the release of detained terrorist leaders, payment of a ₦1 billion ransom, the return of two vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws, before the captives will be freed.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked schools in the communities of Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state. According to local reports, more than 40 students, seven teachers, and a school principal were taken during the coordinated assault.

The terrorists have drawn national and international attention following reports that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, was killed while in captivity.

According to reports, the terrorists later circulated a video showing the beheading of Oyedokun. Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde subsequently confirmed the teacher’s death and expressed condolences to his family and the affected communities.

Terrorists Present Four Demands

According to reports from Saturday PUNCH and other Nigerian media outlets, the abductors have presented four major demands.

First, they reportedly want the release of two detained terrorist commanders identified as Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas Mukhtar, and Mallam Mamuda, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

The two men are alleged leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), an extremist group linked to terrorist activities in Nigeria and regarded as a splinter faction of Boko Haram.

Security records indicate that both men were arrested in 2025 and are currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Court documents show that Usman pleaded guilty to illegal mining charges connected to financing terrorism and kidnapping activities and received a 15-year prison sentence in September 2025. However, he continues to face numerous additional terrorism-related charges. Abubakar Abba has pleaded not guilty and remains on trial.

The second reported demand involves a ₦1 billion ($734,000) ransom payment. Some reports indicate that the money is to be transferred into a bank account located in the Republic of Benin, although authorities have not publicly verified the claim.

Third, the abductors reportedly requested the return of two Hilux vehicles.

The fourth demand has generated significant discussion across Nigeria. According to reports, the terrorists demanded amendments to state laws that would introduce and enforce Sharia-related legislation.

Security agencies have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of all the reported demands. Negotiations and rescue efforts remain ongoing.

Oyo Government Maintains Silence on Negotiations

The Oyo Government has declined to disclose details regarding any potential negotiations with the abductors.

State Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said that revealing government strategies while rescue operations are underway could undermine efforts to secure the victims’ release.

Authorities have instead emphasized ongoing cooperation with security agencies working to locate the captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.

Reports indicate that security personnel have concentrated operations around the Old Oyo National Park, where intelligence officials believe the terrorists may be operating.

Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiations with Terrorists

Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have publicly opposed negotiations that would involve releasing convicted terrorists or meeting other demands made by the kidnappers.

During plenary sessions addressing the worsening security situation in Oriire Local Government Area, lawmakers called for intensified rescue operations and stronger security measures.

Johnson Ogundele, who represents Oriire State Constituency, raised concerns about repeated attacks in the area and urged authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities.

Legislators also requested increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration with local security outfits, including the Western Nigeria Security Network, commonly known as Amotekun.

Several lawmakers advocated establishing a permanent military base in the Oriire Local Government Area to improve response times and stop future attacks.

Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin rejected proposals suggesting that government authorities should negotiate with the kidnappers, arguing that such moves could encourage additional abductions.

The Legislators subsequently called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to expand security operations in the region and improve protection for schools located near forested areas.

Lawmakers also recommended security reviews for schools across vulnerable communities and urged authorities to install perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and solar-powered security lighting.

Security Experts Warn Against Prisoner Exchange

Security analysts have expressed concern regarding reports that the abductors are demanding the release of detained terrorist leaders.

Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi warned that releasing people facing terrorism charges could create additional security challenges and potentially strengthen extremist networks.

Retired Brigadier-General Peter Aro urged authorities to prioritize verification of the hostages’ condition while continuing efforts to secure their release. He also emphasized concerns with the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren and teachers.

Christians Continue to Face Violent Attacks Across Nigeria

The attack in Oriire Local Government Area occurred amid continuing concerns over violence targeting communities across Nigeria.

In recent years, armed extremist groups, including Boko Haram, Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out attacks against civilians, churches, schools, and community leaders in various parts of the country.

International Christian Concern (ICC) has reported numerous incidents involving church attacks, kidnappings of clergy, abductions of students from Christian schools, and killings of believers in several regions.

The demand reportedly made by the abductors for the implementation of Sharia-related laws has drawn attention because it reflects an explicitly ideological component alongside demands for ransom and prisoner release.

At the same time, religious leaders and civil society organizations continue to stress that extremist groups do not represent the beliefs of Nigeria’s broader Muslim population. Muslim and Christian leaders across the country have repeatedly condemned terrorism and called for greater cooperation in confronting violent extremism.

As security forces continue operations in Oyo, families of the abducted students and teachers remain awaiting news regarding the fate of their loved ones.

Authorities have not announced any agreement with the kidnappers, and efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining captives continue. The incident joins a growing list of school-related abductions and terrorist attacks that have affected communities across Nigeria in recent years, raising ongoing concerns about the safety of students, teachers, and religious communities in vulnerable regions of the country.

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