The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with kidnappers responsible for the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that security agencies should intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The lawmakers maintained that yielding to the demands of kidnappers could embolden criminal elements and encourage further attacks on schools and communities across the state. They instead called for coordinated rescue operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger security measures to tackle the growing threat of kidnapping.
As part of its resolutions, the Assembly urged the federal authorities and security agencies to establish a permanent military base in the affected area to enhance security presence and deter criminal activities. The lawmakers also advocated comprehensive security audits of vulnerable schools to identify and address potential risks.
The House further called for increased support for local security outfits operating across the state, noting that community-based security structures remain critical in combating crime and responding quickly to security threats in rural areas.
Speaking during deliberations, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin emphasized that the focus should remain on rescuing the abducted victims and strengthening security architecture across the state. He stressed that negotiating with kidnappers was not an option, warning that such a move could fuel more abductions and undermine ongoing efforts to restore safety in Oyo communities.
