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, eight days after the attack.
According to credible sources, the abductors insisted on speaking directly with Governor Seyi Makinde, refusing to engage with families of the victims.
A source said the condition formed the basis of the ongoing communication, though the exact demands of the attackers remain unclear.
“It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do, but the risks are high. At least now they are talking,” one source said.
However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the negotiations are being handled directly by the governor or through a representative.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the development.
Fear has continued to mount in affected communities as the abducted pupils and teachers, including toddlers aged two and three, remain in captivity.
Sources said the victims have been moved through dense forests across different locations to avoid security pressure, raising concerns over their safety.
Families and community leaders say the prolonged captivity, coupled with difficult terrain and weather conditions, has worsened fears for the wellbeing of the abductees.
A community leader said residents remain in the dark about the whereabouts of the victims, adding that uncertainty has heightened anxiety across affected areas.
In response to the incident, school attendance has sharply declined across parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, with many parents withdrawing their children from both public and private schools.
Teachers reported widespread fear, with some schools recording very low attendance or complete shutdowns in the days following the attack.
One teacher said panic intensified after rumours of armed movement near school areas triggered chaos among students, leading to injuries and even deaths in unrelated incidents during the panic.
Education workers also confirmed that several schools now close earlier than usual, while others have suspended academic activities entirely due to security concerns.
The killing of two teachers during captivity, including one who was beheaded, has further deepened fear among educators and residents.
Teachers say attendance has continued to drop, with parents unwilling to risk sending children to schools located in isolated communities near forested areas.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government is aware of the situation but blamed the spread of misinformation on social media for worsening public panic.
He said some online videos circulating about the incident were false and capable of escalating fear among residents.
Meanwhile, the remains of one of the slain teachers, identified as Joel Adesiyan, were buried amid tears in Ogbomoso on Friday.
The funeral service drew government officials, teachers’ unions, family members and sympathisers, who called for justice and the safe release of remaining abductees.
Governor Makinde, in a condolence message read at the service, assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims still in captivity.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over rising insecurity affecting schools in rural parts of Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for stronger protection of students, teachers and education facilities.
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