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 with the state government.
According to sources familiar with the development, the abductors refused to negotiate with the victims’ families, insisting they would only speak directly with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation,” a source disclosed.
Although it remains unclear whether the governor is personally involved in the talks or represented by officials, insiders described the communication as a positive step amid growing tension over the fate of the captives.
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The victims, including toddlers reportedly aged two and three, have spent more than a week in captivity since the attack on the schools. Community leaders expressed fears over their safety, especially as heavy rains and harsh forest conditions continue to complicate rescue efforts.
Residents alleged that the kidnappers had been moving the victims through forests and across state boundaries to evade security operatives.
Meanwhile, panic has spread across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, leading to a sharp decline in school attendance.
Many parents have withdrawn their children from schools over fears of further attacks.
Teachers in affected communities said classrooms in both public and private schools had become nearly empty since the abductions.
Some schools reportedly closed early during the week as fear intensified among staff and students.
The situation worsened after rumours of armed men near a school in Ogbomoso triggered chaos, resulting in the death of a student who was hit by a vehicle while fleeing.
Reports also claimed the boy’s mother later died from shock after hearing the news.
Education workers described the atmosphere as traumatic, particularly following the killing of two teachers during the crisis.
One of the victims, Joel Adesiyan, was shot dead during the attack and buried on Friday in Ogbomoso amid emotional scenes attended by teachers, relatives and government representatives.
Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed in captivity, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of teachers and students in rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
The Oyo State Government blamed social media misinformation for worsening panic in affected areas but assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools.
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