The Baale of Yawota Community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has revealed that parents and families of pupils, students and teachers abducted by gunmen in the community rejected rice and cash brought by government delegates who visited to sympathise with them after the incident.

Speaking during an interview on the abduction, the traditional ruler said the affected families insisted that their priority was the safe return of their children and relatives rather than material assistance.

According to the Baale, armed bandits invaded the community and abducted several schoolchildren and teachers while firing gunshots indiscriminately.

“They took away little children and continued shooting during the attack,” he said.

He explained that shortly after the assailants left the area, community leaders reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force(NPF).

The Baale commended the police for their swift response, noting that officers promptly arrived at the scene and were briefed on the circumstances surrounding the attack.

He further disclosed that government representatives who later visited the community brought rice and money for the victims’ families, but the gesture was turned down.

“The parents rejected the rice and money. They said what they want is the safe release of their children,” he stated.

The community leader also said a delegation of women representing Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited the affected families to console them.

According to him, the delegation equally came with rice and financial support, but the families declined the gifts.

“They came with rice and money, but the parents rejected it, saying they only want their children released,” he added.

The attack occurred on May 16 when armed assailants stormed the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso and abducted pupils, students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in the area, with residents calling on security agencies and the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.