We Don’t Want Rice, Bring Back Our Children” — Oyo Parents Reject Government Relief After School Abduction Horror.

“We Don’t Want Rice, Bring Back Our Children” — Oyo Parents Reject Government Relief After School Abduction Horror

Fear, grief, and outrage have continued to grip Yawota community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after parents of pupils abducted by armed gunmen rejected cash donations and relief materials from government officials, insisting that nothing matters more than the safe return of their children.

The traditional ruler of the community, Baale Emmanuel Alade, revealed the emotional development during a video interview aired by News Central on Monday, as fresh details emerged about the horrifying attack that left residents traumatised and the entire community in mourning.

Recounting the terrifying moment the gunmen invaded the area, the monarch said he noticed suspicious movements shortly before chaos erupted in the quiet agrarian settlement.

“I was sitting here when I saw some strange people pass by, but I did not know who they were,” the monarch said emotionally.

“Not long after that, we suddenly started hearing gunshots everywhere. People began shouting that bandits had invaded the community. Everyone started running for safety. One of the people who attempted to confront or identify them was immediately shot dead.”

According to Baale Alade, the attackers stormed the area heavily armed, firing repeatedly into the air and causing panic as residents fled into nearby bushes and farmlands for safety.

Amid the confusion, the gunmen reportedly invaded a school facility and forcefully abducted several schoolchildren alongside their teachers.

“That was how the students were taken away,” the monarch lamented.

“These were little children. Innocent children. The gunmen kept shooting as they took them away.”

The abduction has since plunged the entire Yawota community into deep sorrow, with anguished parents, relatives, and residents anxiously waiting for news about the victims’ rescue.

In an attempt to sympathise with the affected families, government officials later visited the community with relief materials, including bags of rice and cash support. Some women said to be members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s support team also accompanied the delegation to console grieving mothers and families.

However, the gesture was firmly rejected by devastated parents, who insisted that no amount of money or food could replace their missing children.

“When the government officials came, they brought rice and money,” Baale Alade disclosed.

“But the parents rejected everything. They said they do not want rice or cash. What they want is for their children to be brought back alive.”

The monarch’s revelation has sparked emotional reactions across the country, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for the affected families while demanding urgent action from security agencies.

The tragedy took an even darker turn after reports confirmed the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly murdered by the kidnappers.

According to reports, the teacher’s beheading was captured in a disturbing video that has further intensified public anger and fear over worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

The shocking incident has triggered widespread condemnation from residents, civil society groups, labour unions, and education stakeholders, all calling on authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore security in schools and rural communities.

In response to the growing outrage, President Bola Tinubu on Sunday approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of measures aimed at strengthening security operations and combating criminal activities in forests and remote areas.

The President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to immediately intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State in protest against the abduction and rising insecurity affecting schools.

The union also announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies to pressure the government into taking decisive action to rescue the victims and improve the safety of teachers and students across Nigeria.

Teachers and supporters staged protests in several states on Monday, while demonstrations continued on Tuesday as emotions remained high over the disturbing incident.

Residents of Yawota say the once peaceful community now lives in fear, with many families unable to sleep as they anxiously await the safe return of their loved ones.

For grieving parents in the community, however, their message to the government remains simple and heartbreaking: no relief package can heal their pain until their children return home safely.