Oyo School Abduction:Panic Spreads Across Ogbomoso as Abductors Demand Direct Talks With Oyo Government

Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication with the state government, according to Saturday PUNCH.

Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the abductors refused to negotiate with the families of the victims, insisting instead on speaking directly with Governor Seyi Makinde or someone representing him.
According to one of the sources, the kidnappers made it clear that they would only discuss matters with the governor, while details of their demands remain unknown.
“It was their condition that they speak only with the governor and nobody else. So, nobody really knows what they are asking for,” the source said.
It remains unclear whether Governor Makinde himself is involved in the negotiations or if a representative is handling discussions on behalf of the state government. However, another source close to the process described the development as a positive sign.
“The security agencies know what to do, but the situation is delicate because of the risks involved. The important thing now is that communication has started,” the source stated.
The demands of the abductors have reportedly been kept secret to avoid endangering the lives of the victims. When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to provide details, saying he could not comment at the moment.
Fear Grows Over Safety of Children and Teachers
The victims, including toddlers aged two and three years, were abducted from the three schools last Friday and have now spent eight days in captivity.
Families and community leaders have expressed growing concern over the welfare of the victims, especially with the rainy season making movement through forests and rough terrain increasingly dangerous.
Sources disclosed that the kidnappers have been moving the victims through thick forests and across state boundaries in an attempt to avoid security operatives.
“We are deeply worried about them. Nobody knows the condition they are in, and some of the abducted children are just two years old,” a community leader lamented.
Schools Deserted as Parents Keep Children at Home
Following the attacks, schools in Ogbomoso and nearby communities including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure, and Dananu have witnessed a drastic drop in attendance.
Many parents have refused to allow their children return to school due to fear of further attacks. Teachers said panic increased after students of Areago Grammar School reportedly spotted suspicious men in a nearby bush on Tuesday, causing chaos and a stampede.
During the confusion, a pupil was reportedly hit and killed by a vehicle, while his mother later died after hearing the tragic news.
A teacher at Ikose Primary School said both public and private schools in Ogbomoso had remained largely empty since Monday following the Esinele attacks.
“By Thursday, there were virtually no students in school, and even teachers stayed away,” the teacher said.
Teachers also stayed away from school on Friday to honor Joel Adesiyan, the 49-year-old assistant headmaster who was killed during the abduction incident. He was buried on Friday.
Another teacher in Tewure explained that many parents informed schools that their children would remain at home because they were frightened by the abductions in Esinele and Yamota.
“Most classrooms are now half empty because parents are scared. If urgent security measures are not introduced, more parents may withdraw their children entirely,” a teacher identified as Oyeyemi said.
Teachers Traumatized by Killings
Two teachers have so far been confirmed dead in connection with the attacks. Joel Adesiyan was killed during the abduction, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.
Oyeyemi said the killings had heightened fear among teachers across the affected communities.
“When one teacher is killed and another reportedly beheaded, the fear naturally becomes overwhelming. Teachers are human beings with families waiting for them at home,” she said.
Another teacher in Oriire Local Government Area also confirmed that attendance among both pupils and teachers had dropped sharply due to fear and uncertainty.
Government Blames Fake Social Media Videos
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, blamed false videos circulating online for worsening fear among residents.
According to him, some bloggers have been sharing misleading videos to escalate panic even when the contents are false.
He added that the government had continued to reassure residents while working toward securing the safe release of the abducted victims.
Victims Remembered Amid Tears
Joel Adesiyan was laid to rest on Friday at Ayegun Baptist Church in Ogbomoso in an emotional burial attended by government officials, colleagues, family members, and sympathizers.
Governor Makinde, represented by Permanent Secretary Michael Ojelabi, assured residents that the government was doing everything possible to ensure the victims returned safely.
Chairman of the Oyo State Nigeria Union of Teachers, Fatai Hassan, described Adesiyan as a dedicated and peaceful professional whose contributions would be greatly missed.
Meanwhile, relatives of Michael Oyedokun said he had been married for over a decade without children. Family spokesperson Ebeni Adediran described his death as a painful and irreplaceable loss, while appealing to the public to stop sharing graphic videos of his killing because of the emotional trauma it was causing the family.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of schools in rural parts of Oyo State and other areas across Nigeria where students and teachers increasingly face the threat of kidnapping and violence.