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 an attack on communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The resolution was adopted on Wednesday following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, shortly after the Assembly resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir recess.
According to Ogundele, armed bandits attacked Ahoro-Esienle, Oyo and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026, during school hours. The assault reportedly left a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist dead, while dozens of students, pupils and teachers were abducted.
The lawmaker expressed concern over rising insecurity in the area, noting that Oriire had experienced repeated attacks since January. He cited an earlier attack on a National Park Service office in Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.
Ogundele commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response, including the deployment of security operatives, rescue efforts and visits to affected communities. He also urged the state government to establish a permanent military base in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
The Assembly called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to carry out security audits of schools located near forests and border communities. Lawmakers also recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras in vulnerable schools.
In addition, the House urged the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for public and private schools across the state.
Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that recent rescue operations highlighted the difficulties faced by conventional security agencies in dense forest areas. He said local vigilantes and operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, had played a crucial role in accessing difficult terrains.
Other lawmakers stressed the need for greater security presence in vulnerable communities, improved management of forest reserves and increased recruitment and equipment for Amotekun personnel.
Dawood Olalere noted that kidnapping was no longer confined to remote forests and was increasingly spreading to urban and semi-urban areas. He referenced the reported abduction of the sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and her two sons as evidence of the growing threat.
The Assembly adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence and relevant agencies to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area. It also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency to provide trauma counselling, psychosocial support and relief materials to affected families.
Lawmakers further directed the House Committee on Security and Strategy to conduct an oversight visit to Oriire to assess the situation and recommend urgent legislative measures.
Speaking at the plenary, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin firmly rejected any suggestion of negotiating with kidnappers and terrorists, warning that such action could embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks.
While acknowledging the anguish of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, Ogundoyin said the focus should remain on intelligence gathering, coordinated rescue operations and sustained security measures aimed at securing the release of all victims.
