Oyo School Kidnap Crisis: Terrorists Open Talks With Makinde as Fear Empties Classrooms Across Ogbomoso

Kidnappers demand direct talks with Governor Makinde while panic, deaths, trauma, and collapsing school attendance deepen security crisis in Ogbomoso axis

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By Aderonke Unigbe / May 23, 2026

IBADAN, Nigeria —Suspected terrorists who abducted teachers and schoolchildren from multiple communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the Oyo State Government, insisting they will negotiate only with Governor Seyi Makinde or his representatives.

The development comes as fear, confusion, and psychological trauma continue to spread across schools and communities in Ogbomoso and surrounding areas following the mass abduction that has paralysed educational activities and intensified concerns over worsening insecurity in southwestern Nigeria.

Highly placed sources familiar with ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release disclosed that the abductors refused direct communication with affected families and intermediaries.

“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else,” a source familiar with the negotiations revealed.

“Nobody knows the details yet or exactly what they are demanding.”

Eight Days in Captivity as Families Fear for Toddlers

The abductees — including teachers, pupils, and toddlers reportedly as young as two and three years old — were kidnapped from schools in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities during coordinated attacks that shocked residents across the region.

As of Friday, the victims had spent eight days in captivity.

Community leaders and relatives say fears are intensifying as heavy rainfall and deteriorating forest conditions increase risks for the children and adults reportedly being moved through remote bush paths across state boundaries.

Security sources disclosed that the abductors have been relocating the captives through thick forests to evade military and security surveillance.

“We are worried about their safety,” a community leader said anonymously.

“Children of two years old are among the abductees. We don’t know how they are surviving inside the forests.”

Security Agencies Face High-Risk Rescue Dilemma

Although security agencies are said to be actively tracking the kidnappers, sources admitted that operational risks remain extremely high due to the number of children involved and the difficult terrain.

A senior source familiar with ongoing operations described the establishment of communication with the terrorists as a “relief,” despite the uncertainty surrounding negotiations.

“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.

The Oyo State Government has remained largely guarded on details of the negotiations.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Abayomi Fagbenro declined detailed comments.

“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said briefly.

Fear Empties Schools Across Ogbomoso Axis

Investigations by A1NEWS International revealed that the attacks have triggered widespread panic across schools in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure, Dananu, Esinele, and Yamota.

Attendance in both public and private schools has reportedly collapsed as parents withdraw children over fears of further attacks.

Teachers interviewed described classrooms as “almost empty” since the abduction occurred.

A teacher at Ikose Primary School said panic escalated after students at Areago Grammar School allegedly mistook hunters in nearby bushes for terrorists earlier in the week.

The resulting chaos reportedly led to a fatal accident involving a fleeing student.

“One of the pupils was knocked down by a vehicle around Owode and died instantly,” the teacher disclosed.

“His mother also reportedly died from shock after hearing the news.”

Residents described the incident as one that plunged Ogbomoso into emotional turmoil and deepened public fear.

Teachers Describe Deep Psychological Trauma

Education workers across the affected communities say the killings of two teachers during the attacks have severely traumatised school personnel.

One victim, former assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the initial abduction operation.

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Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later reportedly beheaded while in captivity.

Teachers say the killings have left many reconsidering whether to continue working in remote communities vulnerable to attacks.

“To be honest, we are traumatised,” one teacher identified as Oyeyemi said.

“When you hear that a fellow teacher was killed and another was beheaded, you understand the level of panic.”

Several teachers confirmed that some parents now escort children to school daily and withdraw them before closing hours due to fear of another attack.

Social Media Rumours Worsen Panic

The Oyo State Government blamed misinformation and viral social media videos for escalating public anxiety.

Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade accused some bloggers of circulating misleading footage capable of inflaming panic.

“Bloggers are posting videos to aggravate the situation, even when the videos are false,” Oyelade said.

Despite government reassurances, however, residents insist visible security presence around schools remains inadequate.

Emotional Burial for Slain Teacher

There were emotional scenes in Ogbomoso on Friday as family members, teachers, labour leaders, and mourners gathered for the burial of Joel Adesiyan at Ayegun Baptist Church.

The 49-year-old educator was remembered as a dedicated teacher whose death symbolised the growing dangers facing rural educators.

Representing Governor Makinde at the funeral, Permanent Secretary Michael Ojelabi assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still held captive.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, Fatai Hassan, described the slain teacher as humble, courageous, and deeply committed to education.

“A great tree has fallen,” Hassan said emotionally during the service.

Family Reveals Beheaded Teacher Died Childless

Fresh emotional details also emerged regarding the death of Michael Oyedokun, whose family disclosed that the slain teacher died without children despite being married for more than 10 years.

Family spokesperson Ebeni Adediran described the killing as devastating and irreplaceable.

“The most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind,” Adediran lamented.

“He had a wife but they did not have any child after more than 10 years of marriage.”

The family also appealed to Nigerians to stop circulating graphic videos allegedly released by the kidnappers showing the murdered teacher.

According to relatives, the repeated sharing of the footage is worsening their emotional trauma.

Rising Insecurity Threatens Education in Rural Nigeria

The Oyo abductions have reignited national debate over insecurity in rural schools and the vulnerability of teachers and students operating near isolated forest corridors increasingly exploited by armed criminal groups.

Security analysts warn that the growing spread of kidnapping operations into southwestern Nigeria reflects the widening geographical reach of armed groups previously concentrated in northern regions.

Education advocates say failure to immediately secure schools could lead to long-term educational disruption and increased dropout rates in vulnerable communities.

The ongoing hostage crisis in Oyo State has exposed the deepening intersection between insecurity, education, and public trust in government protection mechanisms.

While negotiations with the abductors may offer hope for the victims’ release, the psychological scars already inflicted on families, teachers, and communities appear profound.

For many residents across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, the fear is no longer limited to isolated attacks — it is now a fear of whether schools themselves remain safe places for children and educators.