Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication with the Oyo State Government, insisting they will only negotiate directly with Governor Seyi Makinde over the release of the victims.
The abductors, who invaded schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities, allegedly refused to engage with families of the kidnapped victims, according to sources familiar with the development.
The victims, including toddlers aged two and three, have now spent over a week in captivity, raising fears among parents and residents.
A source disclosed that security operatives considered the renewed communication a positive development despite the tense situation.
There is relief that they are finally talking because the risks involved in a direct operation are extremely high,” the source reportedly said.
However, details of the negotiations and possible demands by the kidnappers remain undisclosed as authorities attempt to avoid jeopardising rescue efforts.
The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the negotiations, while the state government maintained silence over the terms being discussed.
The abduction has triggered panic across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu, with many parents withdrawing their children from schools over security fears.
Teachers and residents said attendance in both public and private schools had dropped drastically since the incident occurred last Friday.
A teacher at Ikose Primary School revealed that panic spread further after students at Areago Grammar School reportedly raised a false alarm over suspected terrorists near their premises, leading to chaos in the community.
The confusion reportedly resulted in the death of a pupil who was knocked down by a vehicle while fleeing, while his mother later died from shock after receiving the tragic news.
Teachers said many schools now close earlier than usual as fear spreads among both staff and pupils.
Another teacher in Tewure disclosed that several parents informed school authorities their children would remain at home until security improved in the area.
The insecurity crisis worsened following the killing of two teachers during the attacks. One of the victims, Joel Adesiyan, was shot dead during the abduction, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity.
Education workers described the killings as traumatising, with many teachers considering avoiding rural postings for safety reasons.
We are traumatised. Some teachers are already discussing whether to stop going to remote schools because nobody feels safe anymore,” a teacher identified as Oyeyemi said.
Teachers also lamented the psychological impact on students, many of whom now fear becoming future targets of kidnappers.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, blamed the growing panic partly on misleading videos and fake reports circulating on social media.
According to him, some bloggers were sharing old or inaccurate videos that intensified fear among parents and residents.
He assured residents that the state government was working with security agencies to restore calm and improve security around schools and vulnerable communities.
Emotional Burial for Slain Teacher
Meanwhile, emotions ran high in Ogbomoso on Friday as family members, teachers, union leaders and sympathisers gathered for the burial of slain teacher Joel Adesiyan.
Representatives of the Oyo State Government and the Nigeria Union of Teachers attended the funeral service, where calls for justice and improved school security dominated discussions.
Governor Makinde, represented by officials at the event, assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims safely.
The family of murdered teacher Michael Oyedokun also appealed to Nigerians to stop sharing graphic videos and images related to his killing, saying the circulation of such content was worsening their trauma.
Oyedokun’s relatives described him as a peaceful and dedicated teacher who died without leaving a child behind despite over 10 years of marriage.
The latest attack has reignited concerns over rising insecurity in rural communities and the growing threat facing teachers and schoolchildren across Nigeria.
