by Precious Igbonwelundu,
Security agents have intensified their surveillance on the forest where abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are held by their Ansaru terrorists, it was learnt at the weekend.
Because of the condoning off of the forest, the abductors are under intense pressure which has now made them to relax their demands, it was gathered.
Security sources said they might have dropped their initial demands for the release of their jailed leaders and now asking for ransom and freedom for some foot soldiers of the group who are under arrest and in the Department of State Service (DSS) custody.
Leaders of Ansaru whose release was demanded are: Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.
“The terrorists are no longer insisting on the release of two of their leaders in jail. They are asking of release of less important members of their group under arrest and some ransom,” the security source explained.
According to him, as it is, there is hope that the 39 pupils and six teachers (the seventh teacher was beheaded), they will very soon be out of captivity, the security source assured.
It was learnt that the leader of the abductors is a Northerner who was born in Ogbomoso and grew up in Oriire area.
“It is possible that he ran from Kogi when the heat was turned on them before moving to the kidnap of soft targets in Oriire and environment which he is familiar with having spent his early life there,” the security official added.
The forest outside oriire where the abductors are keeping their victims is a large one stretching from the Oyo National Park unto Kainji in Niger State.
“It is a tick forest. Through surveillance and intelligence-driven security, we are aware of their location”, the security source said.
At weekend as Nigerians begin the push for unity against terrorism, former head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakr urged Nigerians to join hands with the government in the fight against insecurity, instead of politicizing the issue.
In a statement Gen. Abdulsalami, who handed over power after a short transition to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 said: “I, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar GCFR, on this occasion of my 84th birthday wish to appreciate all Nigerians for all their love and support all through these years.
“On this special day, I have had to pause and reflect over the state of things in our dear country. As an officer of the Nigerian Army, the recent tragic death of General Rabbe, along with that of so many others, marks a defining moment for us as a country.
“This is very significant to me having served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, fought in Nigeria Civil War and led Nigerian troops in peace keeping operations in other countries. I acknowledge that many nations of the world are passing through series of economic and security challenges, and Nigeria is no exception. What is needed now is to support efforts to maintain order in the country.
“It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive. The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror.
“Over the years, politicization of security matters has worsened the situation and this has brought us to where we are today. Let us join forces with Government and Security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or other forms of identity. Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups. The use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups. The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis.
“I urge the armed forces and security agencies to continue their efforts, resolve and firmness in this fight and not to be discouraged. I urge Government should in every manner continue to take decisive actions and resolve to bring tragedy to an end.”
“Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria. At my age, it was and is still my dream that we hand over to our children a united and prosperous nation.
“I appeal to all our citizens to remain calm and law abiding. The task ahead requires our collective vigilance. I pray for comfort to the families of our fallen heroes.
“Once again, my family and I remain deeply grateful for your support. May Allah help us rebuild our dear country. God bless Nigeria.” (NAtion)