Armed men who kidnapped pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have put forward conditions before they agree to free the victims.
The schools attacked are in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities, where the gunmen struck on May 15 and took away students and teachers.
According to Punch, the group has listed four main demands.
They want the release of two detained terrorist leaders, payment of N1 Billion ransom to a Benin Republic account, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and implementation of Sharia-related law.
The two men they are demanding include Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Mallam Mamuda.
Both are linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, also called Ansaru, a breakaway group from Boko Haram.
The group has been tied to several violent attacks in Nigeria, including the 2022 Kuje prison attack.
Security records show the suspects were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Usman has already been convicted on a separate charge of illegal mining after admitting it was used to fund weapons for kidnappings and attacks.
He is still in custody of the Department of State Services while other charges are ongoing.
His deputy has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts and remains on trial.
There are also reports that the kidnappers are asking for about ₦1bn, which they want sent to an account in the Republic of Benin.
Security experts have warned that meeting the demands could worsen the security situation.
A retired military officer, Bashir Adewinbi, said releasing the suspects or paying money could encourage more attacks.
Another retired officer, Peter Aro, advised that the government should first confirm if the kidnapped victims are still alive before taking any action, noting the danger of long captivity, especially for children.
The Oyo State Government has not given details about negotiations. They said revealing their plans could affect rescue efforts.
Shortly after the attack, the abductors released a video showing the killing of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who taught mathematics at Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the death, describing it as a painful loss for the state.