Oyo Govt Says Life Sentence for Oriire School Abduction Convicts Too Lenient

The Oyo State Government has described the life imprisonment handed to three persons convicted in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area as inadequate, saying the punishment does not reflect the gravity of the crime.

The state, however, said it would respect the judgment of the Federal High Court and would not file an appeal despite its reservations about the sentence.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, stated the government's position while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Friday.

The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced the three convicts to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of concealing information about those responsible for the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Reacting to the verdict, Oyelade said the punishment was insufficient considering the trauma inflicted on the victims, their families and the state.

"The ruling is a cold comfort. We expected capital punishment for the convicts, as that would better reflect the gravity of abducting innocent schoolchildren and teachers," he said.

According to the commissioner, individuals who concealed information about the kidnappers should bear equal responsibility for the crime.

"It is myopic for anyone to try to create a wedge between the crime of concealment committed by these people and those who actually perpetrated the crime. They are one and the same," he added.

Despite its dissatisfaction with the sentence, the state government ruled out challenging the court's decision.

"The government will not be appealing the judgment. While we have our reservations, we respect what the law has said," Oyelade said.

He nevertheless commended the Federal High Court for concluding the case without undue delay, describing the speedy trial as an encouraging development for Nigeria's justice system.

Oyelade urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria's anti-terrorism and other criminal laws to address kidnapping and other violent crimes more effectively.

He said tougher legislation, backed by swift prosecution and enforcement, would serve as a stronger deterrent against criminal activities.

The commissioner disclosed that the Oyo State Government worked closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and prosecutors throughout the investigation and prosecution to ensure those found culpable were brought to justice.

Speaking on measures to prevent future attacks, Oyelade said the state had reinforced security around schools through the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, in collaboration with other security agencies.

"We are not relaxing. Security around schools has been strengthened through Amotekun and other security agencies.

"Even where there is no visible physical presence of security personnel in every school, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms have been enhanced to improve the safety of schools," he said.

The commissioner also dismissed suggestions that the state government had abandoned the rescued victims and their families.

According to him, support for those affected has continued since the incident.

"The situation is unfortunate and we will not drag issues with anybody. I am from Ogbomoso and Professor Alamu, the husband of the abducted school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, is my brother. I can assure you that the state government has been doing everything that needs to be done," he said.