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 with the Oyo State Government, insisting that they will negotiate only with Governor Seyi Makinde or his representatives.
According to multiple sources quoted by punchng.com�, the kidnappers declined to engage directly with the victims’ families, while details of their demands remain undisclosed due to fears that public exposure could endanger the captives. Security insiders described the opening of communication channels as a significant development, noting that although security agencies were under pressure to act, the risks involved in any rescue operation remained extremely high.
The abducted victims, including toddlers reportedly between two and three years old, have now spent more than a week in captivity. Community leaders and residents expressed growing anxiety as the rainy season intensifies, making movement through forests and rough terrain more dangerous. Sources within the affected communities claimed the hostages were being moved through dense forests and across state boundaries to avoid security operations.
Fear has spread rapidly across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities such as Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu, where schools have witnessed massive drops in attendance. Many parents reportedly withdrew their children from both public and private schools over fears of further attacks.
Teachers described scenes of panic and trauma following rumours of suspicious movements near schools. One teacher recounted how students at Areago Grammar School fled in panic after spotting men hunting squirrels near bushes around the school premises, mistaking them for terrorists. The confusion reportedly led to a fatal accident involving a student, while the boy’s mother later died from shock after hearing of her son’s death.
Educators across the area said classrooms have remained nearly empty since the abduction incident, with many teachers also refusing to report to work because of safety concerns. Some parents have reportedly resorted to escorting their children to school and returning immediately to pick them up after classes.
The situation worsened after reports emerged that one abducted teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the attack, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly beheaded in captivity. Teachers described the killings as deeply traumatising, with some considering abandoning postings to rural communities entirely.
Oyedokun’s family, speaking in a separate interview, described his death as an irreplaceable loss. They revealed that despite being married for over a decade, he died without children. Family spokesman Ebeni Adediran said the late teacher dedicated more than 20 years to public education and remained closely connected to his hometown and relatives throughout his career.
The circulation of graphic videos allegedly showing Oyedokun before his death has further intensified public outrage and emotional distress. His family appealed to Nigerians to stop reposting the disturbing footage and photographs online, saying the continued circulation has deepened their grief.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, blamed part of the growing panic on misinformation and fake videos circulating on social media. He insisted the state government was working to reassure residents and strengthen security efforts around vulnerable schools and communities.
At the burial of Joel Adesiyan in Ogbomoso, government officials, union leaders, church members and mourners demanded justice and the safe return of those still in captivity. Governor Makinde, represented at the funeral, assured residents that the government was doing everything possible to secure the victims’ release unharmed.
The incident has reignited nationwide concerns over worsening insecurity in rural Nigeria, particularly the growing threat faced by teachers and schoolchildren in isolated communities vulnerable to kidnapping and terrorist attacks.
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