‎ ‎Oyo assembly rejects negotiation with bandits over abducted teachers, students

‎Ibadan, Oyo State — The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with bandits responsible for the abduction of teachers and students during a coordinated attack on communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
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‎The resolution was reached on Wednesday following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, during plenary.
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‎The assembly instead called for intensified rescue operations to secure the release of all victims still in captivity.
‎The lawmakers were reacting to the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo and Yawota communities, where armed bandits reportedly invaded schools during school hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist before abducting dozens of pupils, students and teachers.
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‎Presenting the motion, Ogundele expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in Oriire, noting that the area had experienced repeated attacks since the beginning of the year.
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‎ He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response, including the deployment of security personnel and visits to affected communities, while urging the government to strengthen support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base in vulnerable areas.
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‎The assembly also directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to conduct security audits of schools located near forests and border communities. Lawmakers further recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras in vulnerable schools, as well as the development of a comprehensive emergency response protocol for educational institutions across the state.
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‎Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that recent rescue efforts highlighted the limitations faced by conventional security agencies in difficult terrains.
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‎ He urged the Federal Government to accelerate efforts toward creating state-controlled policing structures.
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‎Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, firmly dismissed suggestions that the government should negotiate with kidnappers, warning that such a move could encourage further criminal activities and strengthen terrorist networks.
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‎While acknowledging the pain of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, he stressed that the focus should remain on sustained security operations, intelligence gathering and coordinated rescue efforts.
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‎The assembly also directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an oversight visit to Oriire Local Government Area and recommend urgent legislative interventions aimed at improving security and preventing future attacks on schools and communities.
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