Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers spend 50th day in captivity

Forty-six pupils and teachers, including a two-year-old child and a principal, from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have spent 50 days in captivity after being kidnapped by terrorists on May 15. The abductions occurred during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. One abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the terrorists the day after the abduction. The terrorists reportedly demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, in exchange for the victims. However, the government has stated it will not negotiate. Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, denied claims that a ransom had been paid, describing such reports as attempts by "irresponsible bloggers" to create confusion. Oyelade affirmed that both the Federal and Oyo State governments are working with security agencies to secure the safe release of the abductees without paying a ransom.