Families of pupils, students and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State have rejected rice and cash donations offered by government representatives, insisting that the safe return of their loved ones remains their only concern.

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‎The disclosure was made by the Baale of Yawota Community in Oriire Local Government Area, who said affected parents turned down relief materials and financial assistance brought by officials who visited to sympathise with victims following the mass abduction.

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‎“We appreciate the concern, but the parents rejected the rice and money. They said what they want is the safe release of their children,” the traditional ruler said.

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‎The rejection underscores the growing anguish among families more than two weeks after armed assailants stormed schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso and kidnapped pupils, students and teachers.

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‎According to the community leader, the attackers invaded the area on May 16, firing gunshots indiscriminately before taking away several children and educators from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

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

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‎The incident was immediately reported to the police, who responded swiftly and visited the community to assess the situation, the Baale added.

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‎As concern over the fate of the victims deepened, delegations from the government later visited the affected families to offer support. Among them was a team of women said to be representing Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

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‎The delegation arrived with food supplies and financial assistance intended to cushion the emotional and economic impact of the abduction. However, families declined the gesture, maintaining that humanitarian support could not substitute for the return of their children and relatives.

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‎Their response highlights a recurring reality in communities affected by kidnappings across Nigeria: for families living through the uncertainty of an abduction, the priority is often not compensation or relief but the safe reunion with loved ones.

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‎The attack has renewed concerns about insecurity around schools and rural communities in Oyo State, prompting calls for intensified rescue efforts and stronger protection measures for educational institutions.

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‎Residents are urging security agencies and government authorities to prioritise the safe release of the victims while strengthening surveillance and security operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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‎For now, families say their message remains unchanged: until their children return home safely, no amount of rice or money can ease their pain.