Why we rejected government rice, cash gifts – Baale of Oriire

The Baale (traditional ruler) of Yawota Community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has explained why families of pupils, students, and teachers kidnapped by gunmen rejected rice and cash brought by government officials.

Speaking about the incident, the Baale said the affected families told government representatives that their main concern was the safe return of their children and relatives, not food or money.

According to him, armed bandits attacked the community, shooting indiscriminately before abducting several schoolchildren and teachers.

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

The Baale said community leaders immediately reported the incident to the police after the attackers left. He praised the police for responding quickly and visiting the community to assess the situation.

He revealed that government officials later visited the victims’ families with rice and financial assistance, but the families refused the gifts.

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

He also disclosed that a delegation sent by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the community to sympathise with the families. The delegation also brought rice and money, but the families again declined the support.

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

The kidnapping occurred on May 16 when armed men attacked the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota area of Ogbomoso.

Pupils, students, and teachers were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The incident has raised concerns about insecurity in the area, with residents calling on security agencies and the government to do more to secure the release of the victims and prevent similar attacks in the future.