Oyo school kidnappers set tough conditions, seek ₦1bn ransom, release of Ansaru commanders, others

More information about the kidnapping of students and teachers from three different schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state has come to light as the kidnappers themselves have made it clear that there are four conditions that have to be fulfilled before they will set the captives free.

These victims were kidnapped from three different schools located in Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15 after the schools were attacked. Residents, parents, and the education sector are deeply worried about these developments.

The conditions placed by the kidnappers include the release of two imprisoned terror group commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux cars, and implementation of a particular Sharia law.

The two commanders mentioned are Mahmud Usman, who is also referred to as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy Abubakar Abba, who has several aliases like Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Mallam Mamuda.

The two terror group commanders Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba have both been accused of conducting terrorist attacks between 2013 and 2015, and they also played an active part in the attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in 2022.

Usman and Abba were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism-related charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Usman had earlier been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on September 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to a charge of illegal mining, which prosecutors said was used to finance arms procurement and kidnapping operations. He remains in the custody of the Department of State Services while standing trial on additional terrorism charges.

His deputy, Abba, pleaded not guilty to all counts filed against him and is also undergoing trial.

Separate reports indicate that the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦1 billion, allegedly to be paid into a bank account located in the Republic of Benin. However, the figure could not be independently verified.

Security experts have cautioned against yielding to the demands, warning that releasing terror suspects or paying huge sums of money could strengthen criminal networks and encourage further attacks.

A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, said the government faces a difficult decision, noting that conceding to the demands could have far-reaching security implications.

Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, advised authorities to first establish proof that the victims remain alive before taking any action, stressing that prolonged captivity poses significant risks, especially to young children.

The Oyo State Government has remained silent on the reported demands and ongoing negotiations.

Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing details of the government’s approach at this stage would be counterproductive to efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.

The abduction has generated widespread concern across the country since the attack occurred on May 15.

On May 17, the kidnappers released a video showing the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.

Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed the teacher’s death, describing the incident as painful and tragic.

Efforts by security agencies to secure the release of the remaining pupils and teachers are ongoing amid growing public anxiety over their continued captivity.