The terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly issued a four-point demand as a condition for the release of the victims.
The abductors, who attacked schools in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to be demanding the release of two detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
The two terrorist leaders whose release is reportedly being sought are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, popularly known as Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Mallam Mamuda.
Both men are senior figures in Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction that split from Boko Haram and has been linked to several terrorist activities across the country.
Security records indicate that the pair were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Usman had earlier been convicted on an illegal mining charge and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after admitting that proceeds from the activity were used to finance terrorism and arms procurement. However, he remains in custody while standing trial on additional terrorism-related charges.
His deputy, Abba, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges and is also currently undergoing trial.
Sources familiar with the negotiations claimed that the kidnappers are also demanding a substantial ransom, allegedly running into hundreds of millions of naira, although the exact figure has not been officially confirmed.
The development has sparked concern among security experts, who warned that granting the demands could create serious national security risks.
Retired military officers and security analysts have cautioned against releasing convicted or detained terrorist commanders, arguing that such a move could strengthen terrorist networks and encourage future kidnappings.
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They also warned that ransom payments could provide funding for further attacks and criminal operations.
The Oyo State Government has remained silent on the specifics of the demands and any ongoing negotiations.
State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing operational details at this stage could jeopardise efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
The abduction case took a tragic turn days after the attack when 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 heartbreaking and assuring residents that efforts were continuing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
The attack and subsequent demands have intensified concerns over school security and the growing threat posed by armed groups operating across parts of the country.
