The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of teachers and students during the attack on communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Instead, lawmakers urged security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and preventing future attacks in vulnerable parts of the state.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by the lawmaker representing Oriire Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, during plenary on Wednesday after the Assembly resumed from its Eid-el-Kabir break.
While presenting the motion, Ogundele recalled the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo and Yawota communities, where armed men reportedly invaded schools during learning hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist before abducting several pupils, students and teachers.
He expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Oriire, noting that criminal attacks had become more frequent in the area.
“Since the beginning of the year, residents of Oriire have witnessed repeated security breaches, including attacks on security personnel and local communities. Urgent action is needed to prevent further incidents,” Ogundele said.
The lawmaker commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt response to the crisis, including the deployment of security personnel and visits to affected communities.
He also called for the establishment of a permanent military presence in vulnerable areas and forest corridors within the local government.
As part of its resolutions, the Assembly directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to conduct security assessments of schools located near forests and border communities.
Lawmakers further recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras in schools considered vulnerable to attacks.
“The government should develop a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private schools across the state,” the House stated.
Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that current security realities require states to have greater control over local security operations.
According to him, recent rescue efforts demonstrated the challenges conventional security agencies face in difficult forest terrains.
“Our experience has shown that local security outfits and vigilantes possess critical knowledge of these environments. This reinforces the need for state policing structures,” Adedoyin said.
Other lawmakers echoed concerns about insecurity and called for improved security infrastructure.
Representing Ogbomoso North Constituency, Olubisi Oluranti urged the government to increase the deployment of security personnel to communities considered at risk.
Meanwhile, Gbenga Oyekola of Atiba Constituency raised concerns over inadequate security within forest reserves stretching across parts of Oyo and neighbouring states.
“There are reports of various activities taking place within these forests, yet security presence remains insufficient. This gap must be addressed,” he said.
Babajide Gabriel of Ibadan North II called for broader reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture and urged the state government to strengthen the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun.
He also cautioned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the challenge requires collective efforts rather than partisan divisions.
Similarly, Dawood Olalere of Ibadan North-West noted that kidnapping was no longer confined to remote forests but had increasingly spread to urban and semi-urban areas.
He called for better equipment and operational support for Amotekun personnel to enhance their effectiveness against heavily armed criminal groups.
Following deliberations, the Assembly urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies, to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.
Lawmakers also called on the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency to provide psychosocial support, trauma counselling and relief assistance to families affected by the abductions.
The House further directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit the affected communities, engage stakeholders and recommend additional legislative measures to improve security.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, firmly opposed any suggestion of negotiating with kidnappers.
“Entering into negotiations with terrorists and kidnappers could encourage further criminal activities and send the wrong message to those seeking to undermine public safety,” he said.
While acknowledging the pain and anxiety experienced by families of the victims, Ogundoyin urged residents to continue supporting ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.
“Our focus must remain on intelligence gathering, coordinated security operations and ensuring the safe return of those still in captivity,” he added.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening security across Oyo State and protecting schools and communities from future attacks.
