Terrorists Demand Direct Talks With Seyi Makinde as Fear Shuts Down Schools in Oyo

Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government, raising fresh hopes for the safe return of the victims after more than a week in captivity.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the abductors insisted on speaking only with Governor Seyi Makinde or representatives of the state government, refusing to negotiate directly with the families of those kidnapped.

According to highly placed sources, the terrorists made it clear that all negotiations must go through the government, while details of their demands are being deliberately kept secret to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.

“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. Nobody knows exactly what they are demanding because the discussions are being handled discreetly,” one source revealed.

Another source described the communication as a major breakthrough despite the tense atmosphere surrounding the crisis.

“It is not that security agencies do not know what to do, but the risks involved are extremely high because children are involved. The relief now is that at least communication has been established,” the source added.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to provide details about the negotiations, saying only that he could not comment on the matter at the moment.

Fear grows over abducted toddlers

The attack, which occurred last Friday in the Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities, involved the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren, including toddlers aged between two and three years.

The victims have now spent eight days in captivity, heightening fears among families and residents as the rainy season intensifies across the region.

Community leaders said the worsening weather conditions have made movement through forests and isolated terrains more dangerous for the abductees, particularly the young children.

Residents also alleged that the terrorists were moving the captives through dense forests and across neighbouring states in a bid to evade security operatives.

A community leader, who requested anonymity, said residents were deeply worried because nobody knew the exact location or condition of the abductees.

“We are terrified about their safety. Nobody knows how they are surviving in those forests. Some of the abducted children are only two years old,” the source lamented.

Panic spreads as schools empty

The abduction has triggered widespread panic across Ogbomoso and nearby communities, including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu, with many schools witnessing massive drops in attendance.

Findings revealed that parents have withdrawn their children from both public and private schools over fears of another attack, while some teachers have also stopped reporting for duty.

Teachers described the atmosphere across the affected communities as one of fear, confusion and psychological trauma.

A teacher at Ikose Primary School disclosed that schools in the area had practically become deserted since news of the abduction broke.

“All schools in Ogbomoso, both public and private, have been nearly empty since Monday. Parents are scared. Teachers are scared. Nobody feels safe anymore,” she said.

She recounted how panic escalated on Tuesday after students at Areago Grammar School spotted some hunters in a nearby bush and mistakenly believed terrorists had invaded the school.

“The students started shouting that terrorists had entered the school premises. There was chaos everywhere as pupils ran in different directions. In the confusion, one pupil was hit by a vehicle near Owode and died instantly. His mother reportedly died from shock after hearing the news,” she explained.

The teacher added that by Wednesday and Thursday, attendance in many schools had dropped to almost zero, with teachers leaving school premises before noon due to fear.

“We hardly saw students in classrooms. Many teachers also stayed away because of the tension,” she said.

She further revealed that teachers across the area agreed not to resume on Friday in honour of Joel Adesiyan, a former Assistant Headmaster who was killed during the attack and buried the same day.

Teachers traumatised after killings

The situation worsened after reports emerged that another abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, had been beheaded by the terrorists while in captivity.

Teachers described the killings of Adesiyan and Oyedokun as deeply traumatising, warning that many education workers were now reconsidering whether to continue working in rural communities.

“To be honest, we are traumatised. Some teachers are already discussing whether to stop going to remote schools for now. When you hear that a colleague was killed and another beheaded, you begin to fear for your own life,” a teacher identified simply as Oyeyemi said.

Another teacher in Oriire LGA noted that anxiety remained high among both staff and students.

“Parents no longer trust that schools are safe. Some now escort their children to school and wait to pick them up immediately after closing hours,” the teacher said.

Teachers also blamed the spread of alarming social media videos and rumours for worsening public fear.

“Once there is a kidnapping involving schoolchildren, every parent becomes terrified. Some of the videos online may not even be accurate, but people are reacting emotionally because the fear is real,” another teacher, Tayo, stated.

He added that many schools in rural areas remain vulnerable because of their proximity to forests and isolated settlements frequently exploited by criminal groups.

Government blames fake news

Reacting to the growing panic, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, accused some bloggers and social media users of circulating misleading videos capable of worsening fear among residents.

According to him, the government is aware of the tension in the affected communities but believes misinformation is contributing significantly to the panic.

“Some bloggers are posting false videos just to aggravate the situation. Naturally, when parents see such videos, they become afraid for their children,” he said.

Oyelade insisted that the state government had continued to reassure residents and intensify security measures across vulnerable communities.

Emotional burial for slain teacher

Meanwhile, emotions ran high on Friday during the burial of 49-year-old teacher Joel Adesiyan in Ogbomoso.

The funeral service held at Ayegun Baptist Church drew government officials, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, relatives, church members and sympathisers, many of whom demanded justice and the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.

Representing Governor Makinde at the event, Permanent Secretary of Ogbomoso Zone I, Michael Ojelabi, conveyed the governor’s condolences and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

“The state government is deeply saddened by this tragedy and is doing everything within its power to ensure the victims return safely,” he said.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, Fatai Hassan, described Adesiyan as a dedicated and humble teacher whose death had created a painful vacuum within the education sector.

“Today, the classrooms will miss your voice, the staff room will miss your presence, and your family will miss your love and care. A great tree has fallen,” Hassan said emotionally.

Family mourns beheaded teacher

The family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher reportedly beheaded by the abductors, described his death as devastating,noting that he left behind no child despite over 10 years of marriage.

They called for privacy and urged the public to stop circulating graphic images and videos of the deceased, saying it deepens their emotional trauma.

As negotiations reportedly continue behind the scenes, fear remains high across affected communities in Oyo State. Schools remain deserted, parents are on edge, and families of abducted victims continue to pray for safe returns amid growing uncertainty.