Emmanuel Alade, the Baale of Yawota in Oyo state, one of the communities where 46 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted on May 15, said parents of the kidnapped schoolchildren rejected rice and money offered to them by government officials.

“When government officials came, they brought rice and money, but the parents rejected it, insisting all they wanted was the safe rescue of their children. The women working with Seyi Makinde brought rice and money to console families of victims, but parents rejected it, demanding the release of their children,” Mr Alade said in an interview on News Central on Monday.

The community head narrated how the terrorists invaded Yawota.

“I was sitting here when they walked past. Moments later, we heard gunshots. People said bandits are raiding the community. Everyone scampered for safety. But the one who went to see the incident was shot dead. That was how they abducted the schoolchildren,” Mr Alade said.

About 46 schoolchildren and staffers have been held hostage since May 15, when terrorists raided Esienle and Yawota, communities in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.