Terrorists Gives Conditions After Oyo Attack

Terrorists Gives Conditions After Oyo Attack

Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oyo State have reportedly opened communication with the state government.

Sources said the kidnappers refused to speak with families and insisted on dealing only with government representatives.

The victims, including toddlers, have now spent more than a week in captivity.

Fear has spread across Ogbomoso and nearby communities as parents keep children away from classrooms over safety concerns.

Attendance in many public and private schools has dropped sharply, while some teachers have also stopped reporting to work.

Residents said panic worsened after rumours of armed men around another school triggered chaos in the area.

Teachers described the atmosphere as tense following the killing of two education workers during the attack.

One of the victims, former assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan, was buried on Friday in Ogbomoso amid tears from colleagues, relatives and residents.

Family members of another slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, said he died without having children after more than a decade of marriage.

The Oyo State Government said security agencies were working to secure the release of those still in captivity and urged residents not to spread false information online.

Community leaders, however, said anxiety remains high as families worry about the safety of children and teachers being moved through forests during the rainy season.