“
Parents of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly rejected relief materials distributed by government officials, insisting that no amount of food assistance can replace the safe return of their loved ones still being held captive by kidnappers.
The grieving families, who have endured days of uncertainty and anguish since the abduction, reportedly turned down bags of rice and other relief items, urging authorities to focus on rescuing the victims rather than offering palliatives. According to reports, some parents openly told government representatives to “take back the rice” and channel all efforts toward securing the immediate release of the abducted children and teachers.
The emotional rejection of the relief materials underscores the growing frustration among affected families, many of whom say they have lost confidence in official assurances while their relatives remain in captivity. Parents reportedly argued that food supplies cannot ease the trauma, fear, and distress caused by the continued absence of their children and loved ones.
The development comes as public outrage continues to mount over the abduction, which has triggered protests, solidarity demonstrations, and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State. Labour activists, civil society organisations, and community groups have also intensified calls for urgent and decisive action to rescue the victims.
Protesters have repeatedly accused authorities of failing to adequately protect schools and communities from rising insecurity, warning that the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers highlights the vulnerability of educational institutions across the country.
The families maintain that their only demand is the safe and unconditional return of all abducted victims, stressing that government attention should remain focused on rescue efforts rather than relief distributions.
As pressure continues to build on security agencies and government authorities, residents and advocacy groups are demanding stronger measures to combat kidnapping and safeguard schools from further attacks.
