Armed men who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly presented a list of demands as conditions for the release of their captives.

The victims were taken during coordinated attacks on schools located in the Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15, sparking widespread concern and renewed calls for improved security across the state.

According to reports, the kidnappers have made four key demands, including the release of two detained terror suspects, payment of a substantial ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the acceptance of certain Sharia-related conditions.

The suspects whose release is being sought have been identified as Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, who is also known by several aliases, including Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, and Mallam Mamuda.

Both men have been linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a militant group that emerged as a splinter faction of Boko Haram and has been associated with several high-profile attacks across Nigeria.

Security records indicate that the two suspects were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Usman was previously convicted on a separate illegal mining charge after reportedly admitting that proceeds from mining activities were used to finance the acquisition of weapons and support kidnapping operations. He remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while additional charges are being prosecuted.

His deputy, Abubakar Abba, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts and remains on trial.

In addition to demanding the release of the two suspects, the abductors are also reportedly requesting a ransom estimated at ₦1 billion, which they allegedly want transferred to a bank account located in the Republic of Benin.

The latest development comes as security agencies continue efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, whose captivity has generated widespread concern among residents, civil society groups, and educational stakeholders.

Authorities have yet to officially comment on the reported demands, while rescue operations and investigations remain ongoing.