Teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have spent eight days in captivity.
The victims, reportedly including toddlers aged two and three, were abducted during last Friday’s attacks on schools in the area.
Families and community leaders said fears over their safety had increased as the rainy season sets in.
Sources in the affected communities told Saturday Punch that the victims were believed to be moving through thick forests and across state boundaries as the abductors tried to evade security pressure.
They said the condition of the children, especially the toddlers, had become a major concern for parents already traumatised by the attack.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said residents had no clear information on the whereabouts or condition of the victims.
“We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-olds are among the abductees,” the source said.
In a related development, suspected terrorists who abducted the schoolchildren and teachers have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the victims were abducted from schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities.
Two highly placed sources told Saturday Punch that the abductors had refused to speak directly with the families of the victims.
One of the sources said the terrorists insisted on speaking only with Governor Seyi Makinde or the state government.