Suspected kidnappers who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa towns in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have opened communication channels with the state government.

Sources close to the government said the kidnappers refused to speak directly with the families of the victims.

According to a source, “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. So, nobody knows the details and what they are demanding.”

It cannot, however, be confirmed if the negotiation is being done by the governor himself or a representative of the state.

But a top source said the communication channel was a relief.

“It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source said.

It was gathered that the demands of the terrorists were being kept discreet in order not to jeopardise the lives of the victims.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the matter.

He said, “I can’t give any information at the moment.”