World · Africa · 1 hr ago
Witness says Oriire school abduction aimed to secure release of militants
A protected prosecution witness told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the 15 May abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, was intended to force the government to release imprisoned Ansaru members.
He said the abductors sent the government a list of 30 leaders and members and threatened to kill the hostages if their demand was refused.
The witness said the government did not negotiate, and Nigerian security agents rescued the hostages.
He also told the court that Al-Qaeda supported members of Ansaru in planning the school attacks.
The testimony is part of a case against five men accused of links to the group and the abduction.
Two of the men were previously sentenced to life in prison, as were three others, who pleaded guilty to some terrorism charges.
The witness’s account gives the prosecution’s explanation for the abduction, but the court case is ongoing.
A prosecution witness told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the Oriire school abduction was intended to pressure the federal government to release detained Ansaru members.
The witness said the abductors submitted a list of 30 leaders and members and threatened to kill the hostages if their demands were not met.
He said Nigerian security agents rescued the students and teachers after the government refused to negotiate.
The abduction took place on 15 May in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The testimony was given during the trial of five suspected Ansaru members.
- Who
- A prosecution witness identified as BBB, whose identity was withheld, testified about the abduction. Five suspected Ansaru members are on trial.
- What
- The witness said the abduction was intended to secure the release of detained Ansaru members.
- When
- The attack took place on 15 May. The witness testified on Monday, 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria; the testimony was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
- Why
- The witness said the abductors wanted the federal government to release their leaders and members who had been arrested and were being prosecuted.
Ansaru abductors
Federal government
Hostage-taking demands
Ansaru abductors
The abductors demanded the release of 30 leaders and members and threatened to kill the hostages if the demand was not met.
Federal government
The government refused to negotiate or comply with the demands.
Attackers abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The terrorists submitted a list of 30 leaders and members and demanded their release, threatening to kill the hostages.
Nigerian security agents rescued the kidnap victims.
Prosecution witness BBB testified in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
- Abduction date
- 15 May
- Location
- Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State
- Demanded releases
- 30 names of Ansaru leaders and members
- Witness
- BBB, identity withheld by court-approved witness protection measures
- Court
- Federal High Court in Abuja
What people are saying
the attack was to force the federal government to release their leaders who were arrested and being prosecuted
Sources
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