Oriire Abduction: Oyo Assembly Urges FG To Expedite State Police, Rejects Negotiation With Terrorists

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for intensified rescue operations to secure the release of victims abducted during recent attacks on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Assembly also rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with terrorists and kidnappers, insisting that security operations and intelligence gathering remain the best approach to securing the victims’ release.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Johnson Ogundele during plenary after the Eid-el-Kabir recess.

Concerns Over Rising Insecurity

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

The attack resulted in the deaths of a teacher, a student, and a commercial motorcycle rider, while several students, pupils, and teachers were abducted.

He noted that Oriire Local Government Area has experienced increasing security challenges since the beginning of 2026. He cited an earlier attack on a National Park Service facility at Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.

Ogundele commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt response, deployment of security personnel, and visits to affected communities. He, however, urged the government to strengthen support for security agencies and establish a permanent military presence in vulnerable areas.

Calls for School Security Measures

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

Lawmakers also recommended:

Installation of solar-powered security lights in vulnerable schools.

Construction of perimeter fences.

Deployment of CCTV surveillance systems.

Development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private schools.

Renewed Demand for State Police

Members of the Assembly argued that the recurring security challenges have reinforced the need for state police across Nigeria.

They called on the Federal Government to accelerate efforts toward establishing state police, saying local security structures would improve response times and enhance community protection.

Contributions from Lawmakers

Hon. Olubisi Oluranti called for greater deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities.

Hon. Gbenga Oyekola blamed part of the insecurity on inadequate management and security of the vast forest reserves spanning Oyo State and neighbouring states.

He expressed concern over reports of mining activities and helicopter movements within the forests despite limited security presence.

Hon. Babajide Gabriel advocated broader reforms of Nigeria’s security system and urged the state government to recruit more personnel into the Amotekun Corps.

He also warned against politicising the insecurity situation.

Hon. Dawood Olalere noted that kidnapping has expanded beyond forest areas and now affects urban and semi-urban communities.

He referenced the reported abduction of relatives of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu as evidence of the growing threat.

Olalere called for better equipment and modern weapons for Amotekun personnel to improve their effectiveness against heavily armed criminal groups.

Demand for Military Base in Oriire

The House adopted several resolutions, including a request to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.

Lawmakers also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency to provide trauma counselling, psychosocial support, and relief materials to affected families.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities were encouraged to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing efforts.

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

Speaker Rejects Negotiation with Kidnappers

In his closing remarks, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin firmly opposed negotiations with terrorists and kidnappers.

He warned that paying or negotiating with criminal groups could encourage further attacks and strengthen their operations.

While acknowledging the pain and anxiety of affected families, Ogundoyin urged residents to continue supporting security agencies and ongoing rescue efforts. He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to measures that will strengthen security across Oyo State and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.