SUSPECTED terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa towns in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government, raising cautious hope amid growing fears over the safety of the victims.
Two highly credible sources told News Point Nigeria that the hoodlums declined to negotiate directly with the families of the abducted victims, insisting instead on speaking only with the government.
According to one of the sources, the kidnappers specifically demanded communication with Governor Seyi Makinde and no other individuals.
“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. So, nobody knows the details and what they are demanding,” the source disclosed.
It could not, however, be independently confirmed whether the negotiations are being handled personally by the governor or through representatives of the Oyo State Government.
Nevertheless, another senior source described the development as a significant relief considering the uncertainty surrounding the abduction and the risks involved in possible rescue operations.
“It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source said.
News Point Nigeria gathered that details of the terrorists’ demands were being deliberately kept secret in order not to jeopardise the lives and safety of the abducted children and teachers.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the situation.
“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a terse response to News Point Nigeria.
The victims, including teachers, pupils and toddlers reportedly between the ages of two and three, were abducted from three schools last Friday during coordinated attacks on the affected communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the victims had spent eight days in captivity.
The development has heightened anxiety among residents and affected families, especially as the rainy season intensifies across parts of the state.
Families and community leaders expressed fears that movement through forests and rough terrains during the rainy season could further endanger the victims and complicate rescue efforts.
Sources within the affected communities told Saturday PUNCH that the abductees were allegedly being moved through thick forests and across different states by the kidnappers in an apparent attempt to evade security operatives.
Community members said concerns had continued to mount over the survival and welfare of the children in such harsh and dangerous conditions.
A community leader, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, said residents remained deeply worried about the fate of the abductees.
“We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” the source said.
The incident has also triggered widespread panic across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many schools witnessing sharp declines in attendance.
News Point Nigeria learnt that pupils in both public and private primary and secondary schools in Ogbomoso, as well as neighbouring communities including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu, had abandoned classrooms following the abduction.
Findings further revealed that many parents had refused to send their children to school due to mounting fears over insecurity and possible attacks on educational institutions.
Despite repeated assurances from the Oyo State Government, teachers and education workers said fear and uncertainty remained widespread among pupils, parents and school personnel.
The abduction has once again drawn attention to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country and the increasing vulnerability of schools and rural communities to attacks by armed groups.
Residents have continued to appeal to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abducted children and teachers before conditions worsen further.