Suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.
Highly placed sources told Punch that the abductors refused to negotiate directly with the families of the victims, insisting instead on speaking only with Governor Seyi Makinde or representatives of the state government.
โThey 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 or exactly what they are demanding,โ one source disclosed.
Although it remains unclear whether Governor Makinde is personally involved in the negotiations, another senior source described the development as a positive sign.
โIt is not that security agencies donโt know what to do, but the risks are extremely high. The relief now is that at least communication has been established,โ the source said.
The demands of the terrorists were said to be kept confidential to avoid jeopardising the safety of the abducted victims.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the negotiations.
โI canโt give any information at the moment,โ he said in a terse response.
The abduction, which occurred last Friday, involved teachers and pupils, including toddlers reportedly aged between two and three years.
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The victims have now spent more than a week in captivity, heightening fears among families and residents of affected communities.
Community sources said the abductees were being moved through thick forests and across neighbouring states to evade security operatives.
Residents expressed concern that worsening weather conditions and difficult terrain could endanger the lives of the children and other captives.
โWe are worried about their safety. We donโt know how they are surviving in the forest. Children as young as two years old are among the abductees,โ a community leader said.
