The families of pupils and teachers abducted by armed men in Oyo State have reportedly rejected government palliatives, insisting that their foremost concern is the safe return of the victims.

A community leader in Yawota, Emmanuel Alade, made this known while speaking on the reaction of residents following visits by government officials to the affected communities.

He said the officials came to sympathise with the families and offered relief materials and cash support, but the parents declined, stressing that attention should be focused on rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers.

Alade explained that the families appealed for urgent action rather than assistance, saying their priority remains the whereabouts and safe return of their loved ones.

He also recounted how the attack happened, noting that armed men stormed the community, fired shots, and took away the victims, causing panic among residents before security agencies were alerted.

The incident has continued to draw responses from both state and federal authorities. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier met with the affected families, assuring them that security operations had been intensified to secure the release of the abducted persons.

Similarly, a federal government delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila visited the communities on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, promising that all necessary measures were being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims.

The abduction, which occurred in Orire Local Government Area over two weeks ago, has heightened tension and renewed concerns over security in rural parts of the state.

[NAN]