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.
According to sources, the kidnappers refused to negotiate with the victims’ families, insisting they only want to speak directly with Governor Seyi Makinde or his representatives.
The exact demands of the abductors remain undisclosed as authorities reportedly keep negotiations confidential to avoid endangering the victims.
The abducted pupils and teachers, including toddlers aged two and three, have now spent over a week in captivity, raising fears among families and residents as the rainy season worsens conditions in forest areas where the victims are believed to be held.
Community leaders said the victims were allegedly being moved through thick forests and across state boundaries to evade security operatives.
The incident has triggered widespread panic across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, with many schools witnessing a sharp drop in attendance as parents refuse to send their children to school over security fears.
Teachers also expressed trauma and anxiety following the killings of two education workers during the crisis — Joel Adesiyan, who was shot during the attack, and Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded in captivity.
Several teachers said pupils abandoned classrooms after rumours of suspicious movements around schools spread across communities.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, blamed social media misinformation for worsening panic, accusing some bloggers of circulating misleading videos capable of escalating fear.
On Friday, mourners gathered in Ogbomoso for the burial of slain teacher Joel Adesiyan, where government officials, teachers and sympathisers demanded justice and the safe return of the abducted victims.
The family of murdered teacher Michael Oyedokun also appealed to Nigerians to stop circulating graphic videos and images linked to his killing, saying the content has deepened their emotional trauma.
