The terrorists responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly issued four conditions for the release of their victims.
The attacks occurred on May 15 when armed men stormed schools in Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities, abducting several teachers and pupils. Two days later, on May 17, the group released a video showing one of the kidnapped teachers, Mr Michael Oladokun of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, being killed.
Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed the killing on May 18, describing it as deeply tragic and painful.
According to reports, the abductors are now demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of a ₦1 billion ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related provisions before the remaining victims can be freed.
The group reportedly named two detained commanders they want released as Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, also referred to as Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, or Mallam Mamuda.
Both men are said to be leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (JAMBS), also known as Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram. They have been linked to several terror-related activities in Nigeria, including the 2022 Kuje prison attack.
Court records show that the suspects were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing trial on terrorism-related charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Usman had previously been convicted in September 2025 on a separate charge of illegal mining, which authorities said he used to finance arms procurement for terrorist activities, while still facing multiple other charges. His deputy, Abba, is also standing trial on several counts.
Reports further indicate that the group is demanding a ₦1 billion ransom to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin, though this claim has not been independently verified.
Security analysts have warned that acceding to demands involving the release of convicted or trial-facing terror suspects could pose significant risks to national security and ongoing counterterrorism efforts.