Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa, Oyo State, Nigeria — Suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area have opened communication channels with the Oyo State Government.
Okay News reports that the abductors demanded to speak directly with the governor as a condition for negotiation.
The kidnappers have refused to communicate with the families of the victims. Abayomi Fagbenro, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on security, declined to provide comments on the ongoing situation.
The abductions occurred last Friday, leaving victims in captivity for 8 days. Residents and community leaders have expressed rising concern over the safety of the captives, particularly toddlers aged 2 and 3, as the rainy season complicates movement through the forests where the victims are reportedly being held.
The incident has triggered a sharp decline in school attendance across Ogbomoso and neighboring communities, including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure, and Dananu. Teachers and parents have reported widespread fear following the deaths of two educators, Joel Adesiyan and Michael Oyedokun, during the abduction period.
Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, stated that the government is aware of the situation and has issued official statements to address security concerns while warning that misinformation on social media is exacerbating public panic. Meanwhile, the family of the late Michael Oyedokun has requested that the public stop circulating graphic videos of the deceased to prevent further trauma.
Michael Ojelabi, the Permanent Secretary for the Ogbomoso Zone I, attended the funeral of Joel Adesiyan on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, who reiterated that state efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives are ongoing.
