Oyo Kidnapping: Bandits Insist on Negotiating Only with Makinde …as Pupils, Teachers Spend 8 Days in Captivity

Suspected bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have opened communication lines with the state government — but on one strict condition: they will negotiate only with Governor Seyi Makinde. The Oyo school abduction, which occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, has thrown communities in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa into mourning and fear. Victims include toddlers as young as two years old, primary and secondary school pupils, and teachers. As of today, eight days later, no child or adult has been officially released.

According to an exclusive report by PUNCH, the kidnappers have declined to speak directly with the families of the abducted victims. A source close to the negotiation process disclosed that the bandits said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else, adding that this was the condition they gave for negotiation. The source explained that because of this, nobody knows the details of the demands or what exactly the abductors are asking for. While it remains unclear whether Governor Makinde is personally leading the talks or acting through intermediaries, another senior security source described the development as a cautious breakthrough, noting that the relief is that at least now both sides are talking, even though security agencies know what to do but the risks remain very high. Authorities are keeping the details of the negotiation secret to avoid jeopardizing the lives of the captives. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment, simply stating that he cannot give any information at the moment.

The attack has turned deadly for educators. Joel Adesiyan, a former assistant headmaster, was killed during the initial assault on the schools. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity, according to multiple community sources. A teacher, who gave his name simply as Oyeyemi, told reporters that teachers are traumatised, with some already discussing whether to stop going to remote schools for now. He added that when you hear that a fellow teacher was killed and another was beheaded, anyone will understand the level of panic, noting that teachers are humans too with families waiting for them at home.

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The mass abduction has triggered a massive shutdown of schools across Ogbomoso and neighboring communities, with attendance dropping sharply in both public and private schools. A teacher at Ikose Primary School described scenes of chaos, explaining that all schools, both private and public, in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday, as pupils stopped attending school after the Esinele attacks. Panic escalated after students at Areago Grammar School reportedly mistook local hunters in a nearby bush for terrorists. The stampede that followed led to a fatal accident involving a student, and the child’s mother later reportedly died from shock. Another teacher from Tewure said parents called repeatedly on Sunday evening, stating that their children would stay away from school for some time because they were scared to attend school following the abduction of their mates in Esinele and Yamota.

Community sources reveal that the abducted pupils and teachers are being moved through dense forests and across state boundaries to evade security operatives. The onset of the rainy season has further complicated ground and aerial surveillance. A community leader who requested anonymity expressed worry about the safety of the abductees, saying they do not know how the victims are faring, especially with children as young as two years old among those held captive.

Despite the delicate situation, security agencies have ramped up efforts. The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed additional detectives from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with joint security teams on the ground. A security source told reporters that more detectives have been deployed from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with the joint security operatives on the ground, adding that the security agencies will explore all opportunities to ensure that the students return to their respective parents safely. However, police explained that operatives must exercise extreme caution because the abductors are using the victims as human shields. CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the children and teachers are with the bandits, so any exchange of fire must be done meticulously because they do not want to jeopardise or risk the lives of the captives. The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that the abductors have established a permanent terrorist base in the South-West, describing the incident as an isolated criminal act.

In the midst of the crisis, Governor Seyi Makinde signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate the registration, coordination, and operations of vigilante groups and other security-related organizations across the state. Speaking during the briefing, the governor warned against ethnic profiling, emphasizing that they must avoid at all costs anything that can lead to ethnic tension where people who do not know how issues come about, or because they are from a certain ethnic group, become a target. He assured residents that rescue efforts remain the top priority.

On Friday, emotions ran high during the burial of Joel Adesiyan in Ogbomoso. Governor Makinde, represented by Permanent Secretary Michael Ojelabi, addressed mourners, stating that the state government is sad about the incident and is doing all within its capacity to ensure that those in captivity are returned unhurt.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, accused bloggers of spreading misleading videos and reports capable of heightening panic. He said that bloggers are posting videos to aggravate the situation, even when the videos are false, adding that this is the position of the government. Authorities urge the public to rely only on verified updates from the state government and police command.

As the Oyo kidnapping crisis enters its second week, all eyes remain on Governor Makinde and security agencies. The bandits have not issued a public ultimatum, but the fact that negotiations have begun offers a faint glimmer of hope. For now, families wait in anguish. Schools remain empty. And a community holds its breath.

We will continue to update this developing story as more verified information becomes available.

Oyo Kidnapping: Bandits Insist on Negotiating Only with Makinde