Terrorists who abducted scores of students and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State have reportedly opened negotiations with authorities and community leaders, raising hopes for the safe release of the victims.
Contact was reportedly established with the abductors, although the details of their demands were being kept secret to avoid endangering the captives.
The attack occurred last Friday when armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde earlier confirmed that seven teachers were abducted while one teacher was killed during the attack.
Authorities also said several pupils remain missing as efforts continue to verify the exact number of the victims.
The Oyo State Police Command also dismissed rumours that the abductees had been rescued, insisting that operations were still ongoing.
“The abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released,” police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said.
A viral video released by the terrorists showed abducted teachers pleading for intervention.
“We need your help so that these people will release us,” one teacher said, adding that the children “are crying” in captivity.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has described the attackers as dislodged Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS) fighters operating in the South-West after fleeing military operations in the North-East.
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