Oyo schools kidnap: Terrorists open talks, give condition

Suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa towns in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have opened communication channels with the state government.

Two highly credible sources told The Punch that the hoodlums refused to speak directly with the families of the victims.

“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 said.

It cannot, however, be confirmed if the negotiation is being done by the governor himself or a representative of the state.

But a top source said the communication channel was a relief.

“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 said.

It was gathered that the demands of the terrorists were being kept discreet in order not to jeopardise the lives of the victims.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the matter.

“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a terse message to The Punch.

Teachers and pupils, including toddlers aged two and three, were reportedly abducted in three schools last Friday.

The victims have now spent eight days in captivity.

Families and community leaders say their fears have increased as the rainy season sets in, which makes movement through forests and rough terrains increasingly difficult and dangerous for the captives.

Sources within affected communities told Saturday PUNCH that the victims were being moved in thick forests and across states to evade security pressure.

They noted that survival for the children in such harsh conditions had become a major source of concern for parents already traumatised by the attack.

A community leader, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said residents were in the dark about the whereabouts of the abductees.

“We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” the source said.