By Our Correspondent
National News – Suspected terrorists behind the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened negotiations with the administration of Seyi Makinde, raising cautious hopes for the safe return of the victims.
The attackers allegedly demanded direct talks with the governor after kidnapping schoolchildren and staff from schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities last Friday.
The victims, including toddlers aged between two and three years, have now spent more than a week in captivity, worsening fears among parents and residents.
Community sources said the abductors refused to communicate with families and insisted on dealing only with government representatives.
Officials have kept details of the negotiations secret to avoid endangering the captives.
The incident has triggered panic across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, forcing many parents to withdraw their children from school.
Attendance in both public and private schools reportedly dropped sharply as fears of another attack spread.
Teachers also expressed concerns about safety, especially in rural communities located near forest corridors often exploited by criminal groups.
The crisis deepened after reports that two teachers lost their lives during the attack.
Former assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed during the invasion, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity.
Their deaths sparked grief and outrage across the state, with colleagues describing the attacks as traumatic and devastating for the education sector.
Government officials blamed false videos and rumours on social media for escalating tension among residents, but assured citizens that security efforts were ongoing.
Authorities also promised increased protection around vulnerable schools to restore confidence among parents, teachers and pupils.
Community leaders and education workers have continued to call for stronger security measures, urging authorities to secure rural schools and ensure the immediate release of the abducted victims before conditions in the forests worsen during the rainy season.
