Suspected gunmen who abducted 39 students and seven teachers in Ahoro Esinle community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government and demanded an undisclosed ransom for the release of the victims.
The incident, which has heightened tension across the state, also led to the reported beheading of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
As the victims remain in captivity, concerned family members have continued mounting pressure on both federal and state authorities to ensure their safe return. In response, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to secure the release of the abductees.
Sources familiar with ongoing rescue efforts disclosed that indirect negotiations are currently underway between authorities and the kidnappers. However, details surrounding the ransom demand remain confidential.
According to the sources, security agencies have intensified operations, with a police helicopter reportedly placed on standby around identified locations of interest. Military fighter jets are also said to be conducting regular surveillance operations across forest areas believed to be linked to the abductors.
Efforts to secure the release of the victims are reportedly being coordinated jointly by the Oyo State Government, the Police, the Military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
One source revealed that families of those kidnapped have intensified pressure on the government to meet the demands of the abductors in order to ensure the victims return safely.
Another source maintained that authorities remain committed to prioritising lives over all other considerations.
“Human lives are more important than money or ego. The government will not spare any effort in ensuring the victims are rescued alive,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the family of the late teacher, Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu for assistance in recovering his remains for proper burial.
In a letter sent through their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the family expressed grief over the killing and noted that despite public concern surrounding the incident, his body has not yet been recovered.
They urged the President to direct relevant security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts toward locating his remains and rescuing other victims still being held.
Amid the growing insecurity, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, alongside members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Turaki, called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security structure.
The PDP delegation visited Governor Makinde in Ibadan and expressed concern over recent attacks in Oriire Local Government Area and parts of Ibadan.
Speaking after the meeting, Turaki stated that security remains a fundamental issue requiring urgent attention.
He acknowledged efforts by Governor Makinde to strengthen security in Oyo State but stressed that recent incidents highlighted the urgent need for reforms at the national level.
Turaki argued that the current system limits the powers of state governors despite referring to them as Chief Security Officers of their states.
He questioned a structure where security decisions made at state levels still require approval from federal authorities before action can be taken.
According to him, delays in obtaining such approvals often create opportunities for greater damage before intervention occurs.
Also reacting to the security concerns, Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho disclosed that he is awaiting federal approval to commence operations of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network.
He stated that all required documentation had already been submitted and expressed confidence that approval would soon be granted.
Igboho added that his organisation was prepared to work with security agencies including the Police, DSS, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to tackle kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements operating across South-West forests.
He further pledged compliance with Governor Makinde’s recently introduced Executive Order regulating private security operations in the state.
In Ondo State, concerns over insecurity also continued to grow as the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) criticised the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In a statement signed by Chairman Ayodeji Ologun and co-Chairman Mogbojuri Kayode, the group accused the government of poor governance, insecurity, infrastructural decline and lack of developmental direction.
The group claimed that increasing incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks, especially in rural communities, have made farming activities unsafe for many residents.
According to ORF, the worsening security situation could further threaten food production and increase economic hardship across the state.
The group called on the Ondo State government to urgently improve security, invest in infrastructure, strengthen healthcare and education sectors and prioritise the welfare of residents.
Kidnappers Demand Ransom for Abducted Oyo Students, Teachers as Government Intensifies Rescue Efforts
