“We Don’t Want Rice or Money — Bring Back Our Children!”: Oyo Parents Reject Federal Palliatives After 46 Pupils, Teachers Abducted

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In a powerful display of grief and frustration, parents of dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have rejected rice and cash gifts brought by a federal government delegation, insisting that no amount of money can replace the safe return of their loved ones.

The emotional rejection occurred during a visit by a high-powered federal delegation to Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities, where gunmen kidnapped scores of pupils and teachers on May 15.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Baale of Yawota said the women in the community refused to accept the items offered by government officials.

“When the government came to console us, they came with rice and money. But the women rejected everything,” he said.

He added that the parents delivered a clear message to the delegation.

“We don’t want money. It is our children we want.”

The kidnapping incident occurred when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles launched coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, approximately 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, bringing the total number of victims to about 46.

The victims reportedly include children as young as two years old. One teacher was killed during the attack.

Nearly three weeks after the abduction, the victims remain in captivity despite growing public pressure and repeated appeals from family members and community leaders.

The crisis has generated widespread concern after videos released by the kidnappers showed some of the abducted victims pleading for help and calling on government authorities to secure their freedom.

On May 31, a federal delegation led by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities to express the President’s concern and reassure residents that security agencies were actively working to rescue the victims.

During the visit, the delegation announced the approval of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in vulnerable communities.

However, instead of providing comfort, the visit sparked outrage among many residents when rice and financial assistance were reportedly presented to the affected families.

One grieving mother reportedly told government officials:

“We told them we don’t want money. It is our children we want.”

The rejection has since sparked intense reactions across social media, with many Nigerians criticizing what they describe as the government’s tendency to respond to national tragedies with palliative measures rather than lasting solutions.

One social media user wrote:

“2 years pikin dey bush, you dey give their parents rice. Una really craze for this country o.”

Another commented:

“Tinubu and his allies think rice solves every problem. Are we now Ricegeria?”

A third user added:

“Insecurity… Rice. Banditry… Rice. Bad roads… Rice. This is insulting.”

The comments have generated significant engagement online and reflect growing public frustration over the country’s worsening security situation.

The abductions have also triggered protests in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, with residents demanding urgent government intervention. Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has embarked on an indefinite strike, demanding the immediate and safe release of the kidnapped teachers and pupils.

Residents say the attacks have left the affected communities traumatized, forcing many families to flee their homes out of fear of further attacks.

Parents, religious leaders, and community stakeholders continue to organize prayers and appeals while urging security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

For many residents, the issue is not about compensation, food supplies, or financial assistance.

“No amount of rice, money or gifts can replace our children,” a community leader said. “What we want is their safe return.”

The Oriire school abductions have drawn national attention because they represent one of the most significant school kidnapping incidents recorded in Southwest Nigeria in recent years. The incident has renewed concerns that the wave of mass school abductions previously associated with northern states may be spreading into other parts of the country.

As of June 2, 2026, security agencies say rescue efforts are ongoing, but none of the victims has been officially released.

For the families in Yawota, Ahoro-Esinele, and surrounding communities, each passing day deepens the pain and uncertainty. Their message to authorities remains unchanged:

“We don’t want rice. We don’t want money. Bring back our children.”