The traditional ruler of Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Baale Emmanuel Alade, has revealed that families of pupils abducted during a gunmen attack turned down relief items and financial support from government representatives, demanding the immediate return of their children instead.
Speaking in a video interview shared by News Central on Monday, the monarch recounted the terrifying incident, explaining that he noticed unfamiliar individuals moving through the area shortly before the attack began.
“I was sitting here when I saw them pass by, but I don’t know them at all.
“Not quite long after, we started hearing gunshots. They said bandits had entered the community and everyone ran away. The person that went to see them was gunned down,” he said.
According to the community leader, the assailants stormed the area, firing shots before whisking away schoolchildren and teachers.
“That was how the students were taken away. Little children were taken away while they kept shooting,” he added.
Baale Alade disclosed that government officials later visited the community to offer support, bringing bags of rice and cash donations alongside women said to be members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s team.
However, grieving parents reportedly rejected the assistance, maintaining that their priority was the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims.
“When government officials came, they came with rice and money. The parents rejected it. Women who are government officials on Seyi Makinde’s team came to console us. They console the women.
“They came with rice and money, but they rejected it, saying they want their children released,” the monarch said.
