Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiations With Kidnappers, Demands Intensified Rescue Efforts

The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected calls for negotiations with kidnappers holding dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, insisting that security agencies should intensify rescue operations rather than engage in dialogue with criminal groups.

The position was adopted during plenary on Wednesday as lawmakers debated the worsening security situation following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in the area and whisked away 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Public concern has continued to grow since the incident, particularly after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun was killed while in captivity.

Pressure for negotiations increased following the circulation of a video in which one of the abductees, Community High School principal Rachael Alamu, appealed for urgent intervention and warned that kidnappers had threatened to kill additional hostages.

However, Speaker of the House Adebo Ogundoyin, said negotiating with kidnappers would set a dangerous precedent and potentially embolden criminal groups.

According to him, yielding to demands from armed groups could strengthen criminal networks and encourage future attacks on schools and communities.

While acknowledging the emotional trauma being experienced by victims’ families, Ogundoyin urged residents to continue supporting ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government.

Lawmakers stressed that intelligence-led operations, coordinated security deployments and sustained pressure on the kidnappers remained the most effective strategy for securing the release of the victims.

The Assembly also directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct an immediate security audit of schools located near forests and border communities.

Members called for the installation of solar-powered lighting systems, perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras in vulnerable schools across the state.

They further recommended the development of a comprehensive emergency response framework capable of addressing security threats within educational institutions.

In addition, the Assembly mandated its Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area and propose urgent legislative interventions.

The resolutions followed a motion moved by Johnson Ogundele, representing Oriire State Constituency, who highlighted the growing pattern of attacks in the area since the beginning of the year.

Ogundele commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the swift deployment of security personnel and support to affected communities.

The Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, also used the opportunity to renew calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve local security responses.

The debate comes amid broader concerns over rising insecurity in Oyo State following a series of recent kidnappings and violent attacks.