Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication with the state government, insisting they will only negotiate with Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, highly placed sources disclosed that the kidnappers refused to engage directly with families of the victims and instead demanded discussions solely with the governor or representatives of the state government.
The victims, including toddlers aged between two and three years, were abducted from schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities eight days ago. Sources said the captives were being moved through forests and across neighbouring states to avoid security operations.
A senior source familiar with the situation described the opening of communication channels as a “relief,” despite ongoing fears over the safety of the abductees.
The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the negotiations, while the state government has remained silent on the kidnappers’ demands.
Fear Grips Ogbomoso Communities
The incident has triggered panic across Ogbomoso and nearby communities, with many parents withdrawing their children from schools over fears of further attacks.
Teachers told Punch that attendance in both public and private schools had dropped sharply since the abductions. Some schools reportedly shut early during the week after rumours of suspicious movements near school premises caused panic among pupils and staff.
One teacher revealed that a student died during a stampede after pupils reportedly mistook hunters in nearby bushes for terrorists. The boy’s mother later reportedly died from shock after hearing of her son’s death.
Parents in communities including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu have reportedly refused to send their children back to school until security improves.
Teachers Traumatised After Killings
The crisis deepened after two teachers linked to the incident were killed.
Former assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed during the attack and buried on Friday in Ogbomoso amid emotional scenes attended by government officials, teachers and sympathisers.
Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity. His family said the educator, who had been married for more than 10 years without children, devoted over two decades to teaching before his death.
Relatives appealed to Nigerians to stop circulating graphic videos and images allegedly showing his killing, saying the content was worsening the family’s trauma.
Government Blames Fake News For Rising Panic
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said social media misinformation had worsened fear in affected communities.
He accused some bloggers of circulating misleading videos that escalated panic among parents and pupils, while assuring residents that the government was working to restore calm and strengthen security.
The attack has renewed concerns about insecurity in rural schools across Nigeria, particularly in communities located near forest corridors often exploited by armed groups.
