School Abduction: Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiation With Bandits

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 in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that efforts should instead focus on rescue operations and stronger security measures.

The resolution was reached during plenary on Wednesday following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele.

The motion centered on the worsening security situation in parts of Oriire LGA, particularly the coordinated attack on Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026.

Presenting the motion, Ogundele recalled that armed bandits invaded the communities during school hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while abducting several pupils, students and teachers.

The lawmaker noted that the area had experienced increasing security threats since the beginning of the year, citing an earlier attack on a National Park Service facility at Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.

He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his response to the crisis, including the deployment of security personnel, rescue efforts and visits to affected communities.

Ogundele also 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 further called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to conduct immediate security audits of schools located near forests and border settlements.

Lawmakers recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras in vulnerable schools, alongside the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol.

During the debate, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that recent rescue efforts demonstrated the limitations of conventional security agencies operating in difficult forest terrains.

Other lawmakers advocated increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced support for the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, and broader reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture.

The House also directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire LGA, assess the security situation and recommend urgent legislative interventions.

In his remarks, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin firmly rejected any suggestion that the government should negotiate with kidnappers or terrorists.

He warned that such a move could embolden criminal groups, encourage further attacks and strengthen kidnapping networks.

The Assembly subsequently called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Oriire, while urging the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials, trauma counselling and psychosocial support for affected families.

Lawmakers also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and local authorities to intensify intelligence gathering and community policing efforts aimed at preventing future attacks.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting measures that will strengthen security across Oyo State and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.