Oyo Kidnappers Demand Ransom, Release of Terrorists

On May 15, 2026, kidnappers abducted 46 individuals, including 39 pupils and 7 teachers, from various schools in Oyo State, specifically in the Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso. The kidnappers have made four key demands: the unconditional release of two high-profile terrorists, a ransom of 1 billion naira to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin, and the provision of two brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles.

The group is believed to be linked to Ansaru, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. During the initial raid, a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, aged 57, was killed, and the kidnappers escalated their tactics by releasing a graphic video of the beheading.

The Nigerian government is under pressure, with retired military officials warning that capitulating to the demands could embolden other criminal groups. Protests have erupted across Oyo State, leading to an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers until the victims are released.

Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialized military rescue unit.