Suspected terrorists responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from three communities in Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government, raising cautious hopes for progress in efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The victims were abducted from schools located in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Highly placed sources familiar with developments told Saturday PUNCH that the abductors declined direct engagement with relatives of the victims, insisting instead on communicating only with the state government.
According to one of the sources, the gunmen reportedly set a condition that discussions must involve the governor, leaving uncertainty over the specifics of the negotiation process and any possible demands being made.
“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. So, nobody knows the details and what they are demanding,” the source was quoted as saying.
The report could not independently establish whether the discussions are being handled directly by Seyi Makinde or through appointed representatives of the state government.
Another source indicated that while security agencies are actively responding to the situation, operational realities and risks surrounding rescue efforts remain significant.
“It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source said.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation yielded little information, as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to provide details on the development.
“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a brief response.
