The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly opposed any move by the state government to negotiate with kidnappers responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso, insisting that security agencies should intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin warned that entering into negotiations with kidnappers could embolden criminal elements and encourage further attacks across the state.
While acknowledging the anguish being experienced by the families of the victims, Ogundoyin urged residents to remain supportive of ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government. He stressed that dialogue with armed groups could send the wrong message and further complicate the security challenges facing the state.
The Assembly’s stance follows the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits reportedly abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers. The situation worsened after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the abductors.
Concern also grew after a video surfaced showing Rachael Alamu, one of the kidnapped victims and principal of Community High School, Esiele, appealing for urgent intervention amid threats by the kidnappers to kill another captive.
In response, lawmakers directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board to conduct immediate security assessments of schools located near forests and border communities. They recommended enhanced safety measures, including solar-powered lighting, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, and a robust emergency response system for vulnerable schools.
The Assembly also instructed its Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of Oriire Local Government Area and propose urgent legislative measures to address the security crisis.
The resolution followed a motion raised by Johnson Ogundele, who noted that Oriire has experienced repeated security breaches since January, including an attack on a National Park Service facility in Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.
Ogundele praised Seyi Makinde for deploying security personnel and visiting affected communities but called for increased support for security agencies and the establishment of a permanent military presence in vulnerable areas and forest corridors.
Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin urged the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of state policing as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
The debate comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity in Oyo State, including the recent abduction of Olaide John-Paul and her twin sons in Ibadan.