The pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, has strongly urged government officials to reject any demands from the terrorists who kidnapped students and teachers in Oyo State. On May 15, gunmen attacked schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa within the Oriire Local Government Area, capturing 39 pupils and seven instructors.
Initially, reports suggested the kidnappers sought the release of captured commanders, ransom money, vehicles, and the implementation of specific religious laws. While one teacher later clarified in a video that the demand for religious law was inaccurate, the focus remains on the release of key Ansaru members, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba. Both individuals were detained by the Department of State Services in 2025 due to their involvement with the faction formerly linked to Boko Haram.
National Publicity Secretary for Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, stated that paying ransoms or engaging in negotiations with these criminals would only embolden future acts of terror. He emphasized that bowing to such pressure undermines public confidence in the government and serves as an incentive for further violence. Ajayi reminded the public that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 explicitly forbids paying ransoms and provides the legal framework to identify and punish terrorism sponsors.
Currently, military forces have established a perimeter around a suspected hideout in the National Park forest region. Reports suggest that ongoing security operations may soon result in the safe release of all hostages.
