The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for intensified efforts to secure the release of victims abducted during the recent bandit attacks on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area, while firmly rejecting calls for negotiations with terrorists and kidnappers.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing Oriire State Constituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele, during plenary shortly after the House resumed from its Eid-el-Kabir recess.
Presenting the motion, Ogundele expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in Oriire Local Government Area, particularly the May 15 attack on Esinele, Oyo and Yawota communities where armed bandits invaded schools, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist before abducting dozens of pupils, students and teachers.
The lawmaker noted that the local government had experienced a series of security breaches since the beginning of the year, including the attack on the National Park Service office at Oloka village, where five forest guards were reportedly killed.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response to the attacks, including the deployment of security personnel, rescue operations and visits to affected communities. He, however, urged the government to strengthen support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base in vulnerable communities and forest corridors within the area.
The Assembly also called on the Oyo State 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 across the state.
Lawmakers further recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable schools. They also urged the government to develop a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private educational institutions.
Seconding the motion, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that recent rescue operations had exposed the limitations faced by conventional security agencies in difficult forest terrains.
According to him, local security outfits such as the Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes have played critical roles in navigating remote areas and supporting rescue efforts.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate advocated increased security presence in vulnerable communities, improved equipment for local security operatives and reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Hon. Babajide Gabriel called for additional recruitment into the Amotekun Corps to boost local security operations, while Hon. Dawood Olalere warned that kidnapping had spread beyond forest communities into urban and semi-urban areas.
The House subsequently adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area and strengthen security operations in the region.
Lawmakers also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to provide psychosocial support, trauma counselling and relief materials for affected families.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, firmly rejected suggestions that the state government should negotiate with terrorists or kidnappers.
He warned that engaging criminal groups through negotiations could embolden them and encourage future attacks.
While sympathising with families whose loved ones remain in captivity, the Speaker maintained that the focus should remain on intelligence gathering, coordinated rescue operations and sustained security efforts aimed at securing the safe release of all victims.
Ogundoyin reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would strengthen security across Oyo State and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.
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