Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government, raising hopes for the safe release of the victims after more than a week in captivity.
Sources familiar with the development told Saturday PUNCH that the kidnappers had refused to negotiate with families of the victims, insisting instead on speaking directly with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde. The sources disclosed that details of the discussions and the kidnappers’ demands were being kept confidential to avoid jeopardising efforts to secure the release of the captives. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the negotiations.
The abduction, which occurred last Friday, involved teachers and schoolchildren, including toddlers aged between two and three years. Community leaders expressed growing concern over the welfare of the victims, who have now spent eight days in captivity. Residents said fears had intensified with the onset of the rainy season, while reports indicated that the abductees were being moved through dense forests and across state boundaries to evade security operatives.
The incident has triggered widespread panic across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, leading to a sharp decline in school attendance. Many parents have reportedly withdrawn their children from schools over security concerns, while teachers described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The situation was further worsened by reports of the killing of two teachers, Joel Adesiyan and Michael Oyedokun, allegedly at the hands of the abductors, deepening trauma among education workers and residents.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, attributed part of the growing panic to misinformation circulating on social media, urging residents to rely on official information. On Friday, emotional scenes were witnessed in Ogbomoso as Joel Adesiyan, a 49-year-old teacher killed during the attack, was buried amid tears from family members, colleagues and sympathisers. Governor Makinde, in a tribute delivered by a representative, assured residents that the government was doing everything possible to secure the release of those still being held captive and bring the perpetrators to justice.
