Ebohon Joan
Parents of children abducted during a recent attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have rejected food supplies, cash, and other relief materials brought by government officials, saying their only concern is the safe return of their children.
According to residents, the community is still in shock after armed attackers invaded the Esiele and Yawota communities, kidnapping pupils, teachers, and several other residents. When government representatives arrived with relief items, many grieving parents reportedly refused to accept them, insisting that no amount of assistance could replace their missing children.
The affected families stressed that they do not want compensation or donations but immediate and decisive action to rescue the abducted victims. They maintained that their children’s safe return remains their top priority.
One mother whose daughter was among those taken recounted how heavily armed men, allegedly dressed in military-style uniforms, stormed the area, fired shots, and forcefully took away several children. She appealed to security agencies and government authorities to act swiftly and bring the victims home safely.
Community leaders also described the attack as chaotic and traumatic, alleging that a school principal was compelled by the kidnappers to transport some of the abducted pupils into a forest before the vehicle used was eventually set on fire.
Residents said the attack also resulted in deaths and widespread theft, further worsening fears about insecurity in communities located near forest areas. They are calling on authorities to focus on rescue efforts and improved security rather than distributing relief materials.
