Terrorists who abducted teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly asked for the implementation of Sharia law as one of the conditions for the release of the captives.
The kidnappers , who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, also demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, and the provision of two Hilux vehicles.
The detained terrorists include Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.
Both of them are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
Both men were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Reports further indicate that the kidnappers are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin, although the figure has not been independently verified.
The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or ongoing negotiations. Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing government strategy at this stage could undermine efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The abduction crisis took a tragic turn on May 17 when the kidnappers released a video showing the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun.
Meanwhile. the Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned attempts by kidnappers to justify their actions with references to Sharia law, insisting that such claims are a distortion of Islamic teachings and do not represent the faith or its followers.
The group also called for the immediate and safe release of schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, expressing deep concern over the continued captivity of victims, including toddlers, in forest hideouts.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the group said criminals cannot cloak their actions in religion.
