By Palang Paul
The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected calls for negotiations with the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that security agencies must intensify rescue operations to secure the victims’ freedom.
The lawmakers made their position known during plenary on Wednesday while considering a motion of urgent public importance on the worsening security situation in parts of the state.
The motion, moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, focused on the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo and Yawota communities, where armed bandits reportedly invaded during school hours, killing a teacher, a student, and a commercial motorcyclist before abducting atleast 47 students, and teachers.
Ogundele described the attack as part of a growing wave of insecurity that has plagued Oriire Local Government Area in recent months. He noted that the area had witnessed repeated attacks since January, including a deadly assault on a National Park Service facility at Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.
While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift intervention, deployment of security personnel, and visit to affected communities, the lawmaker urged the state government to strengthen support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base in vulnerable areas and forest corridors.
The Assembly also called for immediate security audits of schools located near forests and border communities across the state. Lawmakers urged the government to accelerate the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing, and surveillance cameras in vulnerable schools, while developing a comprehensive emergency response framework for educational institutions.
Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that recent rescue efforts exposed the limitations of existing security structures in tackling criminal activities within dense forest areas.
According to him, security personnel have often depended on local vigilantes and members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, to navigate difficult terrain during operations.
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate advocated increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced support for local security outfits. They also raised concerns over the security challenges associated with the vast forest reserves stretching across Oyo and neighboring states.
Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, dismissed suggestions that the government should negotiate with terrorists and kidnappers, warning that such a move could embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks.
The armed bandits currently cornered inside the Old Oyo National Park, has demanded ₦1 billion paid into a foreign account, the release of convicted terrorists, and the enforcement of Sharia law.
While acknowledging the pain and anxiety experienced by families of those still in captivity, the Speaker maintained that the focus must remain on intelligence-driven operations and coordinated rescue efforts aimed at securing the safe release of all victims.
The Assembly subsequently resolved to urge the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence and relevant security agencies, to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area. It also called on emergency management authorities to provide psychosocial support and relief assistance to affected families.
Lawmakers further directed the House Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an oversight visit to the area and recommend urgent legislative measures to address the growing insecurity.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security across Oyo State and preventing future attacks on schools and communities.
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