Suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.
CityNews reports that the victims were abducted from schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities.
Two highly placed sources told Saturday Punch that the abductors had refused to speak directly with the families of the victims.
One of the sources said the terrorists insisted on speaking only with Governor Seyi Makinde or the state government.
“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,” the source said.
It could not be confirmed whether the talks were being handled personally by the governor or through a representative.
Another top source said that opening communication with the abductors had brought some relief, given the risks involved in any rescue operation.
“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.
Saturday Punch gathered that the demands of the terrorists were being kept discreet to avoid endangering the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the development.
“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a terse message.
