Anxiety is mounting in Oyo State following reports that the armed bandits responsible for kidnapping schoolchildren and teachers from three communities in the Oriire Local Government Area have initiated contact with the state government.
The breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope, though deep concerns persist regarding the safety of the captives.
Insiders who spoke to News Point Nigeria revealed that the abductors have categorically refused to negotiate with the families of the victims. Instead, they are demanding direct communication with the Oyo State administration.
According to one reliable source, the kidnappers have set a strict condition, specifying that they will only deal with Governor Seyi Makinde.
READ MORE: Oyo State defies terrorists after Oriire School kidnapping
“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 remains unverified whether Governor Makinde is personally handling the discussions or if a state delegation has been appointed to interface with the group.
A separate high-ranking source noted that the opening of communication lines brings some relief, given the immense danger a physical rescue operation would pose to the hostages.
“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.
Specific details regarding the terrorists’ demands are being kept strictly confidential by authorities to safeguard the lives of the captive students and staff. When approached for an update, Abayomi Fagbenro, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, declined to elaborate.
“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a brief response.
The abduction took place last Friday during a series of coordinated raids on schools across the Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities. The victims include teachers, pupils, and toddlers as young as two and three years old. At the time of this report, the victims have spent eight days in captivity.
The ongoing rainy season has severely worsened the anxiety of relatives and local leaders.
There are growing fears that navigating thick forests and harsh weather conditions will severely impact the well-being of the hostages and hinder rescue missions.
Local community sources informed Saturday PUNCH that the kidnappers are constantly relocating the captives through dense forests across state lines to evade tracking by security forces.
A community leader, speaking anonymously due to security risks, highlighted the agony of the families involved.
“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 crisis has sparked widespread panic across Ogbomoso and its surrounding areas, resulting in a drastic drop in school attendance.
Classrooms in both public and private institutions across neighboring towns like Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure, and Dananu have been largely deserted as parents refuse to send their children to school out of fear of subsequent attacks.
Despite official reassurances from the Oyo State Government, a cloud of fear hangs over students, parents, and educators. The incident highlights the continuing challenge of insecurity in rural Nigerian communities and the vulnerability of educational centers. Residents continue to urge the government and security agencies to fast-track operations to bring the children and teachers home safely.
