RismadarVoice Reporters, May 23, 2026
Suspected terrorists responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from three communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly initiated contact with authorities, insisting on direct communication with Governor Seyi Makinde as a condition for negotiations.
The development emerged amid mounting anxiety across affected communities, where fears over the safety of abducted schoolchildren including toddlers aged two and three continue to grow eight days after the incident.
Multiple highly placed sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the kidnappers rejected any form of engagement with relatives of the victims, stating that they would only communicate with the Oyo State Governor.
“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,” a source familiar with the development revealed.
Although details surrounding the negotiation process remain unclear, it cannot be independently confirmed whether Governor Makinde is personally involved in the discussions or operating through designated representatives.
Another top source described the opening of communication as a potentially significant breakthrough despite the delicate circumstances.
“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 stated.
Authorities are reportedly keeping details of the terrorists’ demands confidential to avoid jeopardising rescue efforts and the safety of those still in captivity.
When contacted, Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the development.
“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said briefly.
The abduction occurred last Friday in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities, where gunmen reportedly stormed schools and seized pupils and teachers.
Since the incident, tension has spread rapidly through Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, with many parents reportedly withdrawing their children from schools due to security concerns.
Investigations indicate that school attendance in communities such as Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure, Dananu, and surrounding areas has dropped sharply, with some schools recording almost no student presence.
Teachers who spoke anonymously described an atmosphere of panic and trauma among both staff and pupils.
A teacher at Ikose Primary School said the fear intensified after reports emerged that some students mistook hunters in nearby bushes for terrorists, triggering chaos.
“The students raised the alarm that terrorists had invaded the school. There was confusion everywhere. People started running in different directions,” the teacher said.
The panic reportedly resulted in tragedy after a pupil was struck and killed by a vehicle while fleeing, while the child’s mother later reportedly died from shock after hearing of the incident.
Teachers also expressed concerns about deteriorating psychological conditions among education workers following the killing of two colleagues.
One of the victims, former Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the attack and buried on Friday amid emotional scenes in Ogbomoso.
Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity, a development that has intensified outrage and fear among educators and residents.
Speaking on the emotional impact of the attacks, a teacher identified simply as Oyeyemi said many educators now fear returning to schools in remote areas.
“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 fellow teacher was killed and another was beheaded, you understand the level of panic,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, blamed social media misinformation for worsening public fears.
According to him, false videos and unverified reports have amplified panic across affected communities.
“Bloggers are posting videos to aggravate the situation, even when the videos are false,” Oyelade said, adding that the government had continued efforts to reassure residents.
As families await positive developments in ongoing negotiations, concerns continue to mount over the welfare of children reportedly being moved through forests and difficult terrain while in captivity.
Community leaders and families have renewed calls for intensified security operations and stronger protection around schools, warning that prolonged uncertainty could further disrupt education and deepen trauma across the region.
