Suspected gunmen who abducted students and teachers in Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly opened communication with the state government and demanded ransom.
PrimeTimes Nigeria recalls that the abductors took 39 students and seven teachers during the attack, while teacher Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed.
Sources who spoke with Vanguard on the development said indirect negotiations were ongoing, but the amount demanded by the kidnappers was being kept secret.
Multiple sources revealed that the kidnappers had reached out and made a ransom demand for the release of the victims.
One of the sources said the details were being handled discreetly.
“The latest on kidnappers is that they have made a demand, but the amount is still being kept under wraps. Indirect negotiations are ongoing,” the source said.
Another source disclosed that families of the victims had continued to mount pressure on the Oyo State Government to meet the abductors’ demand.
Helicopter, Military Jets Deployed
Security agencies were said to have deployed a police helicopter to an “area of interest” as part of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Military jets were also reported to be conducting daily sorties over the area’s forests.
A source disclosed, “Police helicopter is on standby; military jets fly sorties over the forests daily.
“Oyo State government, Police, Military, DSS are coordinating efforts to secure the release of the kidnap victims.”
Another source said the state government would not hesitate to deploy resources to ensure the victims returned alive.
“Human lives are more important than money and ego,” the source said.