Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiation with Kidnappers, Demands Swift Rescue of Abducted Teachers, Students
By Our Correspondent – 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 instead intensify efforts to secure the victims’ unconditional release.
The lawmakers, during plenary, emphasized that yielding to the demands of kidnappers could embolden criminal elements and expose more communities and educational institutions to similar attacks.
The Assembly called on security agencies to strengthen ongoing rescue operations through enhanced intelligence gathering, coordinated security interventions, and sustained surveillance across vulnerable areas of the state.
In a series of resolutions aimed at addressing the growing security concerns, the lawmakers urged the Federal Government and relevant security authorities to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area and other identified flashpoints to deter criminal activities and provide rapid response to security threats.
The House also recommended comprehensive security audits of schools located in vulnerable communities, stressing the need for proactive measures to safeguard students, teachers, and educational facilities from future attacks.
Lawmakers further advocated increased funding and logistical support for local security outfits operating across the state, noting that community-based security initiatives remain critical in complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.
The Assembly equally renewed its call for accelerated action on state policing, arguing that decentralized policing would enhance local intelligence gathering and improve response to emerging security challenges.
Speaking on the development, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, maintained that negotiation with kidnappers was not a viable option, warning that such a move could encourage further criminality and undermine ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
According to him, the government’s priority should remain the safe rescue of the abducted victims, the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators, and the strengthening of security architecture across the state.
“The focus must be on rescue operations, intelligence gathering, and reinforcing security measures to prevent future occurrences. Negotiating with kidnappers sends the wrong signal and could fuel more attacks,” the Speaker stated.
The Assembly’s position comes amid growing public concern over the safety of schools and communities following the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, with residents and stakeholders calling for decisive action to curb the menace of kidnapping in the state.
Observers say the lawmakers’ resolutions reflect a broader determination to confront insecurity through stronger security measures while ensuring that educational institutions remain safe environments for learning.
