Oyo Kidnappers Abandon Political Demands, Focus on Ransom as Troops Close In

Kidnappers holding 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, have dropped their earlier demands. They now seek only ransom payments. Security forces have tightened a siege around a forest hideout where the victims are believed to be held. The group initially demanded the release of senior Ansaru commanders, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia laws. Intelligence sources say they even killed one teacher to force authorities to halt the rescue operation. Troops and security personnel have surrounded the hideout in a National Park forest corridor near the Niger border. They have blocked escape routes and restricted the militants’ movements with the hostages. Recent military offensives have pushed insurgents out of their traditional strongholds. Over 168 high-profile terrorist commanders have been neutralised or arrested nationwide. A senior security officer expressed confidence that the ongoing operation will end in victory.

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