By Opeyemi Adelakun
Fresh hope has emerged for the release of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security operatives intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
Multiple security sources disclosed that troops have tightened their grip around a forest hideout believed to be housing the abducted pupils and teachers, effectively restricting the movement of the kidnappers and blocking possible escape routes.
The victims were seized on May 15 when armed men invaded three schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities, abducting a total of 46 people.
Sources familiar with the operation said security personnel have surrounded sections of the National Park forest where the hostages are suspected to be held, making it increasingly difficult for the abductors to relocate.
According to the sources, mounting military pressure has forced the kidnappers to reconsider some of their initial demands.
The abductors were said to have initially demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related conditions.
However, security sources claimed that some of those demands have now been abandoned as the group focuses mainly on securing ransom payments.
Investigators also linked the gang to extremist elements, revealing that among those whose release was reportedly demanded were senior members of the Ansaru terrorist group currently in custody.
A security source said the kidnappers had become increasingly desperate following sustained operations around their hideout.
The source alleged that the recent killing of one of the abducted teachers may have been intended to pressure authorities into slowing down rescue efforts.
Further intelligence reports indicated that the leader of the kidnapping gang is allegedly an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who later became associated with extremist ideology.
Security officials also noted that the affected communities are located close to difficult border corridors leading towards Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, areas known for challenging terrain and limited communication access.
Sources disclosed that intelligence agencies had previously uncovered plans to target schools in the area, prompting precautionary measures, including temporary school closures.
According to security officials, sustained offensives against terrorist groups across the country have significantly weakened several criminal networks, forcing many fighters out of their traditional strongholds.
One senior security officer expressed confidence that ongoing military operations would ultimately defeat terrorist groups operating within the country.
“The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relent in the ongoing offensive until these criminals are either eliminated or forced out of the country,” the officer said.
“The signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the source added.
Meanwhile, controversy has continued to trail reports surrounding the alleged release of another group of kidnap victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area.
The Oyo State Police Command dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, facilitated the victims’ release.
The dispute followed a viral video in which Igboho condemned kidnappings in the community and issued a warning to criminal elements operating in the area.
“You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land,” Igboho said.
“This should be the last, and it must end,” he added.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, insisted there was no evidence linking the activist to any rescue operation.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” Ayanlade stated.
He further noted that the Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any role played by Sunday Igboho in securing the victims’ freedom and urged the public to rely on official information regarding the incident.
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