Suspected Kidnappers behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, raising cautious hopes over the fate of victims held for more than a week.
The attackers, who stormed schools in Esiele and Yawota communities In Oyo State last Friday, are said to have insisted on speaking only with the governor or representatives of the state government as negotiations continue behind closed doors.
Sources familiar with the development said the abductors declined direct discussions with families of the victims, while authorities have kept details of the talks secret over fears that public disclosure could endanger those still in captivity.
The attacks targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele in Oriire LGA, deepening fears over the spread of insecurity into the South-West.
Governor Makinde had earlier confirmed that seven teachers were abducted while one teacher was killed during the attacks. Authorities also said several pupils remain unaccounted for as security agencies continue efforts to establish the exact number of victims.
The Oyo State Police Command dismissed widespread rumours that the victims had been rescued, insisting operations were still ongoing.
A viral video circulated online also showed abducted teachers pleading for intervention while children reportedly cried in captivity.
The crisis has since triggered panic across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many parents withdrawing their children from schools amid fears of fresh attacks.
Teachers who spoke anonymously described near-empty classrooms across public and private schools in Ogbomoso, Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and nearby communities.
One teacher said panic escalated after students at Areago Grammar School reportedly mistook hunters in nearby bushes for terrorists earlier in the week, causing a stampede that led to the death of a pupil. The boy’s mother was also said to have died after receiving news of the tragedy.
Another teacher identified simply as Oyeyemi said many parents now escort their children to school and return before closing hours out of fear.
“What we need now is visible security around schools and communities. Parents want reassurance that their children are safe,” she said.
The emotional toll on teachers has also intensified following the deaths of two education workers linked to the attacks.
A former assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was buried in Ogbomoso on Friday amid tears from colleagues, union leaders and family members.
Representing the governor at the funeral, Permanent Secretary Michael Ojelabi said the state government was committed to securing the release of victims still in captivity.
“We are doing all within our capacity to ensure that those in captivity are returned unhurt,” he said.
Another abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity, sparking outrage after disturbing footage allegedly released by the attackers surfaced online.
Family spokesperson Ebeni Adediran described Oyedokun as a humble teacher who served in public schools for over two decades.
“The most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind,” Adediran said, revealing that the slain teacher had been married for more than 10 years without children.
The family also appealed to Nigerians to stop sharing graphic videos and images linked to the killing, warning that the circulation was worsening their trauma.
Oyo Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, accused some bloggers of spreading misinformation capable of escalating panic in affected communities, insisting the government was intensifying efforts to restore calm.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has reportedly linked the attackers to dislodged Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād fighters believed to have fled military offensives in the North-East into parts of the South-West.
The incident has renewed national concerns over the safety of schools in rural communities and the growing threat posed by armed groups operating around forest corridors across Nigeria.
