Fresh reports indicate that Boko Haram terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are reportedly complicating rescue efforts by planting improvised explosive devices and constantly changing their locations within the forest.
The victims were abducted on May 15 and have now spent about 36 days in captivity. The attackers, identified as members of Boko Haram, also known formally as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, are said to be operating from within the Oyo National Park.
Security sources say the group has been carrying out attacks in other parts of the country as a strategy to distract security forces and reduce pressure on the rescue operation. Despite ongoing military operations in the forest, the terrorists are reportedly resisting efforts to dislodge them, with the mission already resulting in casualties among security personnel.
The abducted pupils and teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, with about 42 victims, including a school principal, affected.
One of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed a day after the incident, allegedly to discourage security forces from advancing.
The group is also said to have demanded the release of two of its commanders in exchange for the victims, but authorities have maintained a firm position against negotiating with terrorists, insisting on a rescue operation instead.
Security officials say all possible exit routes from the forest have been blocked, making movement difficult for the abductors. However, the terrain and the use of improvised explosive devices have slowed down progress.
Sources further revealed that the terrorists are using the abducted victims as human shields, making direct assault extremely risky. They also noted that the group frequently relocates within the forest to avoid being tracked, while maintaining an estimated strength of over 200 fighters in the area.
There are also claims that the attackers are intensifying violence in other regions, including parts of Kwara State, as part of a broader distraction strategy aimed at stretching security resources.
Despite the challenges, security operatives say efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted pupils and teachers safely.
