Oyo Lawmakers Reject Ransom Talks, Push for Tougher Action Against School Kidnappers
IBADAN — Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have ruled out the option of negotiating with the armed men responsible for the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that government efforts should remain focused on rescue operations and strengthening security across vulnerable communities.
The resolution was reached during plenary on Wednesday after lawmakers resumed legislative activities following the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.
The matter came before the House through a motion sponsored by the representative of Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, who drew attention to the growing wave of attacks in parts of the local government area.
Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Ogundele recounted the attack that occurred on May 15 in Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities, where gunmen reportedly invaded during school hours. The incident left a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcycle rider dead, while several schoolchildren and education workers were taken away by the attackers.
The lawmaker expressed concern that criminal activities in the area had escalated in recent months, pointing to earlier attacks on security personnel and local communities. He noted that residents have continued to live in fear as armed groups exploit forest routes and remote settlements.
While acknowledging the response of Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies following the incident, the Assembly called for additional measures to prevent a recurrence. Lawmakers urged the state government to provide greater logistical support to security operatives and consider establishing permanent security formations in communities most exposed to attacks.
As part of its resolutions, the House directed relevant education authorities to carry out an immediate review of security arrangements in schools located near forests and other high-risk areas.
The lawmakers also recommended the deployment of protective infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and solar-powered lighting, particularly in schools situated in isolated communities. They further advocated the development of a coordinated emergency response system to improve school safety across the state.
In rejecting proposals for dialogue with the abductors, the Assembly maintained that criminal groups should not be rewarded for acts of violence and kidnapping.
During deliberations, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed demands for the establishment of state police, arguing that state governments require greater control over security architecture to effectively address local threats.
He observed that security personnel operating in difficult terrains often depend on community-based groups and the Amotekun Corps for intelligence gathering and navigation, a situation he said underscores the need for a more decentralized policing system.
Other lawmakers echoed calls for increased security deployment across vulnerable areas, while stressing the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
The House concluded by urging security agencies to sustain efforts aimed at rescuing those still in captivity and restoring confidence among residents affected by the attacks.
Benita Ibrahim
