Oriire Kidnap: Why FG Rejected Terrorists’ Demands – Sunday Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said the Federal Government was right not to accept the demands made by terrorists during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement released on Saturday through his media office, Igboho said the government believed that paying ransom or releasing detained terrorists in exchange for the victims would have encouraged more kidnappings and strengthened criminal groups operating across the country.

The abducted victims were pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, LA Primary School and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota. They were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, and remained in captivity for 56 days before a joint security operation secured their release on Friday.

Reacting to the rescue, Igboho praised the security operation, saying it was carried out through careful planning and intelligence gathering. He commended President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.

He said the successful operation brought relief to the affected families and renewed public confidence in the Federal Government’s determination to fight insecurity and protect lives across the country.

Igboho also praised the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun? Wait no, in the statement it referred to Tunji Disu as IGP, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and other heads of security agencies for working together throughout the rescue mission.

According to him, President Tinubu remained committed to securing the release of the victims from the day they were kidnapped and did not relent until they regained their freedom.

He added that the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle criminal groups in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and other parts of Nigeria remain active. He also said cooperation between government security agencies and local security organisations would continue in order to improve safety in rural communities and allow farmers to carry out their activities without fear.

Igboho expressed confidence that ongoing cooperation among security agencies and community-based security groups would help restore peace in Oke-Ogun and other affected areas.

He also extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the abduction, particularly the family of teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed by the terrorists during the period of captivity.