Oyo Schools Kidnap: Terrorists Open Talks, Give Fresh Condition

• Fresh fears have spread across parts of Oyo State after terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from multiple schools reportedly opened communication channels with the state government, while parents continue withdrawing children from classrooms over security concerns.

Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the kidnappers refused to negotiate directly with families of the victims.

According to one of the sources, the abductors insisted on speaking only with the governor or representatives of the state government.

“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation,” a source revealed.

Although details of the discussions and demands remain unclear, insiders described the communication as a major breakthrough amid growing fears over the safety of the abducted victims.

“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,” another source said.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the development.

The schoolchildren and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in the affected communities last Friday.

Reports indicated that some of the victims are toddlers between the ages of two and three.

The victims have now spent more than a week in captivity, raising concerns among families and residents as the rainy season intensifies.

Community sources said the abductees were being moved through thick forests and remote areas across states to evade security operatives.

Residents expressed fears over the harsh conditions the children may be facing in captivity.

“We are worried about their safety. Children as young as two years old are among the abductees,” a community leader said.

Meanwhile, the attacks have triggered panic across schools in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure, and Dananu.

Many parents have reportedly stopped sending their children to school due to fear of further attacks.

Teachers also disclosed that school attendance has dropped drastically in both public and private schools.

A teacher at Ikose Primary School said panic worsened after students at Areago Grammar School reportedly mistook hunters in nearby bushes for terrorists, leading to chaos and stampede.

According to the teacher, one student died after being knocked down by a vehicle during the confusion, while the child’s mother reportedly died from shock after hearing the news.

Teachers across the affected areas said many schools now close earlier than usual due to security fears.

Another teacher identified as Oyeyemi described the atmosphere as traumatic following the killings of two education workers during the attacks.

One of the slain teachers, Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, was buried on Friday amid tears from family members, colleagues, and residents.

Another abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers while in captivity.

“To be honest, we are traumatised. Some teachers are already discussing whether to stop going to remote schools for now,” a teacher lamented.

The family of Oyedokun described his death as devastating, revealing that he died childless despite being married for more than 10 years.

“The most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind,” a family spokesperson said.

The family also appealed to Nigerians to stop circulating disturbing videos and images linked to the teacher’s killing, saying the content was worsening their emotional trauma.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, blamed social media misinformation for worsening panic across affected communities.

According to him, some videos circulating online were false and capable of escalating fear among residents.

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He assured residents that the state government was working with security agencies to address the situation and secure the release of those still in captivity.

During the burial of Joel Adesiyan, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by officials of the state government, assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue all abducted victims safely.

“The state government is doing all within its capacity to ensure that those in captivity are returned unhurt,” the governor said.

The attacks have renewed concerns over insecurity around rural schools and the growing dangers faced by teachers and pupils in isolated communities across Nigeria.