IBADAN, Nigeria — Armed men holding dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State have issued a series of demands, including the release of two terrorism suspects facing prosecution, payment of a ransom and the provision of vehicles, according to reports on the negotiations.
The captives were taken on May 15, 2026, when attackers raided schools in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
According to reports, the kidnappers are seeking the release of two detained leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, known as Ansaru, an extremist group linked to a faction that split from Boko Haram.
The men identified in the demands are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, who is also known as Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, and Mallam Mamuda.
Both men were arrested in 2025 and are being prosecuted on terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Court records show that proceedings in the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, began on January 15, 2026, before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Demands Include Vehicles and Cash
Reports indicate that, in addition to the release of the two suspects, the abductors are demanding two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
There have also been reports that the group is seeking ₦1 billion in ransom, allegedly to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin.
The figure has not been independently verified.
Usman was sentenced by Justice Nwite on September 11, 2025, to 15 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to a charge of illegal mining.
Prosecutors alleged that proceeds from the activity were used to acquire weapons and support kidnapping and terrorist operations.
He denied 31 additional counts and remains in the custody of the Department of State Services while those charges are being tried.
Abba has pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts brought against him.
Security Concerns Raised
Security specialists have cautioned against agreeing to the demands involving the release of terrorism suspects.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi said authorities faced difficult choices, warning that either paying ransom or freeing suspected terrorist leaders could strengthen criminal organisations and encourage future attacks.
Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, said officials should first establish that the abducted pupils and teachers remain alive before considering any course of action, noting the risks associated with prolonged captivity, especially for children.
Government Declines Comment
The Oyo State Government has not publicly addressed the reported demands.
Dotun Oyelade, the state commissioner for information, said it would be “unhelpful” to disclose details of the government’s approach while efforts to secure the release of the victims continued.
The attack drew national attention after the release of a video on May 17, two days after the abductions, showing the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed Oyedokun’s death on Monday, May 18, 2026, describing the killing as deeply painful.
