The Oyo State House of Assembly has taken a firm stand against negotiating with kidnappers and terrorists following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that security efforts should focus on rescue operations rather than dialogue with criminals.
The lawmakers made their position known during plenary on Wednesday as concerns continue to grow over the fate of victims kidnapped during the May 15 attack on schools and communities in the Oriire axis of Oyo State.
The Assembly’s resolution followed a motion presented by Hon. Johnson Ogundele, who represents Oriire State Constituency. The lawmaker raised alarm over the worsening security situation in the area and called for stronger measures to tackle recurring attacks by armed groups.
Ogundele recalled the devastating attack on Esiele, Yawota and surrounding communities, where gunmen reportedly invaded schools during learning hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist before abducting dozens of pupils, students and school staff.
He noted that the latest attack was part of a growing pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area since the beginning of the year. According to him, communities in Oriire have suffered repeated attacks, including an earlier assault on a National Park Service facility where several forest guards lost their lives.
While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for deploying security personnel and personally visiting affected communities, the lawmaker urged the government to intensify rescue efforts and provide additional support to security agencies operating in the area.
The Assembly also called for the establishment of a permanent military base around vulnerable communities and forest corridors believed to be used by criminal gangs.
As part of measures to improve school security, lawmakers directed the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to carry out urgent security assessments of schools located near forests and remote settlements.
They further recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance systems and the development of a comprehensive emergency response framework for schools across the state.
A major highlight of the debate was renewed calls for the creation of state police.
Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin argued that recent rescue operations exposed the limitations of the current security structure. He said local security outfits such as Amotekun and community vigilantes were often more familiar with difficult terrains than conventional security agencies.
According to him, the growing security challenges across states have once again demonstrated why state police should be established without further delay.
Other lawmakers also expressed concerns over the increasing insecurity in Oyo State.
Hon. Gbenga Oyekola blamed part of the problem on inadequate security presence within the vast forest reserves controlled by the Federal Government, while Hon. Babajide Gabriel called for broader reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Lawmakers also stressed the need to recruit more personnel into the Amotekun Corps and provide operatives with better equipment to effectively confront heavily armed criminal groups.
The debate also touched on the recent abduction of the sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her children in Ibadan, with lawmakers warning that kidnapping is no longer limited to remote forests but is spreading into urban communities.
Following deliberations, the House adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Oriire and strengthen security presence in vulnerable areas.
The lawmakers also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to provide relief materials, counselling and psychosocial support to families affected by the abductions.
However, the strongest message came from Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, who firmly rejected growing calls for government negotiations with terrorists.
According to the Speaker, opening negotiations with kidnappers could encourage more attacks and strengthen criminal networks across the country.
While acknowledging the pain and frustration of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, he urged residents to continue supporting ongoing rescue efforts and allow security agencies to carry out their operations.
Ogundoyin maintained that the focus must remain on intelligence gathering, coordinated security operations and the safe rescue of all victims rather than making concessions to criminal groups.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and security measures aimed at preventing future attacks on schools and communities across Oyo State.
Source: Oyo State House of Assembly
