OYO ASSEMBLY REJECTS NEGOTIATION WITH KIDNAPPERS, DEMANDS STATE POLICE AS ORIIRE ABDUCTION CRISIS DEEPENS

OYO ASSEMBLY REJECTS NEGOTIATION WITH KIDNAPPERS, DEMANDS STATE POLICE AS ORIIRE ABDUCTION CRISIS DEEPENS

The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected calls for negotiations with kidnappers and terrorists following the recent abduction of students, teachers, and residents in Oriire Local Government Area, urging the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of state police to tackle growing insecurity.

The resolution was reached on Wednesday during plenary after lawmakers debated a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele.

The motion focused on the escalating security challenges in Oriire and called for intensified rescue operations to secure the release of victims abducted during recent attacks on schools and communities within the local government area.

Lawmakers Demand Stronger Security Response

Presenting the motion, Ogundele recalled the May 15 attack on Esinele, Oyo, and Yawota communities, where armed bandits reportedly invaded schools during school hours.

According to him, the attack resulted in the deaths of a teacher, a student, and a commercial motorcyclist, while several students, pupils, and teachers were abducted.

He expressed concern over the recurring wave of attacks in the area, noting that Oriire Local Government had experienced increasing bandit activities since the beginning of 2026.

The lawmaker also referenced an earlier attack on the National Park Service office at Oloka village, where five forest guards were reportedly killed.

Assembly Calls for Military Base in Oriire

The House commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his response to the crisis, including the deployment of security personnel, rescue efforts, and visits to affected communities.

Lawmakers, however, urged the state government to intensify support for security agencies and called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base within vulnerable communities and forest corridors in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Assembly also directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct immediate security audits of schools located near forests and border communities.

Schools to Get More Security Measures

To strengthen school safety, lawmakers recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing, and CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable schools across the state.

They also called for the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private schools in Oyo State.

Fresh Push for State Police

Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that recent rescue operations highlighted the limitations of conventional security agencies in difficult terrains.

According to him, security operatives often depended on local vigilantes and personnel of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, to navigate dense forests and remote areas.

He urged the Federal Government to remove obstacles delaying the establishment of state police, describing the initiative as increasingly necessary given current security realities.

Lawmakers Seek Stronger Support for Amotekun

Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate emphasized the need for enhanced security infrastructure and personnel deployment across vulnerable communities.

Hon. Babajide Gabriel called for broader reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture and appealed to Governor Makinde to recruit additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps.

Hon. Dawood Olalere also advocated improved equipment and weaponry for local security operatives, stressing that officers confronting heavily armed criminal groups require adequate operational support.

Speaker Rejects Negotiation With Terrorists

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, strongly opposed suggestions that the state government should negotiate with kidnappers or terrorists.

While acknowledging the pain and anxiety of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, the Speaker warned that negotiating with criminal groups could encourage further attacks and strengthen criminal networks.

He maintained that the priority should remain sustained security operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated rescue efforts aimed at securing the safe release of all victims.

Ogundoyin reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to supporting policies and interventions designed to improve security across Oyo State and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.

Key Resolutions Adopted by the Assembly

The House resolved to:

Call on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.

Intensify rescue operations for abducted victims.

Conduct security audits of vulnerable schools.

Improve school security infrastructure, including CCTV, perimeter fencing, and solar-powered lighting.

Expand community policing and intelligence gathering initiatives.

Provide trauma counselling and relief support to affected families through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA).

Strengthen and equip the Amotekun Corps for more effective operations.

The Assembly also directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire Local Government Area to assess the situation and recommend further legislative actions.