Witness reveals how Ansaru planned Oriire attacks with Al-Qaeda support

A prosecution witness has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that terrorist group Al-Qaeda supported Ansaru militants in carrying out attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to The Nation, the witness, identified as BBB, testified on Monday, October 12, during the trial of five suspected Ansaru members.

He alleged that the May 15 attacks were intended to pressure the Federal Government into releasing detained terrorist leaders.

The witness said the attackers kidnapped students and teachers before submitting a list of 30 detained members whose release they demanded.

He added that the militants threatened to kill their captives unless the government complied.

According to his testimony, two abductees were killed before security forces launched a rescue operation near Old Oyo National Park.

The operation also claimed the lives of security personnel, including a senior police officer and an army officer.

Justice Salim Ibrahim adjourned further hearing until Tuesday.