The traditional ruler of Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Baale Emmanuel Alade, has revealed that parents of schoolchildren abducted by gunmen rejected relief materials and cash brought by government officials, insisting instead on the safe return of their children.

The monarch disclosed during a video interview, where he also recounted how the attack unfolded in the community.

He said he observed suspicious movements shortly before gunmen invaded the area and opened fire.

“I was sitting here when I saw them pass by, but I don’t know them at all,” he said.

He explained that shortly after, gunshots were heard as the attackers stormed the community, forcing residents to flee for safety.

“The person who went to see them was gunned down,” he added.

Baale Alade said the attackers abducted several pupils and teachers during the raid, describing the incident as deeply traumatic for residents.

“That was how the students were taken away. Little children were taken away while they kept shooting,” he said.

The monarch disclosed that government officials later visited the community with relief materials, including rice and cash, but the gesture was rejected by grieving parents.

“When government officials came, they came with rice and money… but they rejected it, saying they want their children released,” he said.

He added that even though officials from the state government’s delegation visited to console families, the mood remained tense as parents demanded urgent action to rescue their children.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked schools in Esiele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire LGA, reportedly abducting more than 40 pupils, students, and teachers, and killing a school administrator during the assault.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with residents, teachers, and unions demanding stronger security measures and immediate rescue efforts.

President Bola Tinubu has since approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed specialised security operations to intensify rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers has begun strike actions and solidarity protests nationwide in response to the attacks, as pressure mounts on authorities to secure the release of the victims.