Fresh details have emerged regarding the conditions allegedly set by the terrorists holding pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to reports, the abductors have made four major demands before they will release the remaining captives. The demands have sparked outrage and raised concerns among security experts, government officials and community leaders.
The reported demands include:
1. Release of Two Detained Terrorist Commanders
The kidnappers are demanding the release of Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba (also known as Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Mallam Mamuda). Both men are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction linked to Boko Haram. They are currently facing terrorism-related charges in Abuja.
2. Payment of ₦1 Billion Ransom
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. Authorities have not officially confirmed the payment details.
3. Provision of Two Hilux Vehicles
The group is also demanding that two Hilux pickup trucks be supplied to them as part of the conditions for releasing the victims.
4. Implementation of Sharia Law
Perhaps the most controversial demand is the reported call for the implementation of Sharia-related law in Oyo State. The demand has been widely condemned by religious and community groups, with many describing it as an attempt to advance an ideological agenda through terrorism.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when terrorists attacked schools in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities. The crisis took a tragic turn when the kidnappers released a video showing the killing of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, an incident later confirmed by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Security experts have warned against meeting the demands, especially the release of detained terrorist leaders, arguing that doing so could strengthen extremist groups and encourage future attacks. Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on authorities as families, residents and advocacy groups demand urgent action to secure the safe return of the remaining victims.
