Gunmen refuse to engage families, keep demands secret as backchannel communication with Oyo government offers cautious hope

Suspected terrorists behind the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from three communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have established a line of communication with the state government, raising cautious optimism over the victims’ safety.

The victims were taken from schools in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa towns, in an incident that has heightened security concerns across the area.

Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the kidnappers have deliberately shut out the families of the victims from any negotiation process, insisting they will only deal directly with Governor Seyi Makinde.

“They made it clear that they want to speak only with the governor. That is their condition. For now, no one knows exactly what they are asking for,” a source revealed.

It remains unclear whether Governor Makinde is personally leading the negotiations or has delegated the responsibility to trusted officials.

Another senior source described the development as a significant, though delicate, breakthrough, given the dangers associated with a forceful rescue attempt.

“Security agencies understand the terrain, but the risks involved are extremely high. The important thing is that communication has now been established,” the source said.

Details of the kidnappers’ demands are being tightly guarded to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts and the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment, saying only, “I can’t give any information at the moment.”