Sh*ck In Oyo: Assembly Rules Out Talks As Ogbomoso Kidnappers Tighten Grip

The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed suggestions that the state government should negotiate with kidnappers responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso, insisting that security efforts should remain focused on securing the victims’ release through intensified operations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin said entering into talks with kidnappers could embolden criminal groups and encourage further acts of abduction across the state. He stressed that while the families of the victims are enduring difficult circumstances, residents should continue to support the efforts of security agencies and the government in addressing the crisis.

According to the Speaker, any engagement with armed criminal groups could send the wrong message and further complicate the security situation.

The Assembly’s position follows the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits reportedly abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers. The situation worsened after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly killed by the abductors.

Concern has continued to grow following the release of a video by one of the abductees, Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esiele. In the video, she appealed for urgent intervention, claiming the kidnappers had threatened to kill another captive.

In response, lawmakers called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct an immediate security assessment of schools located near forests and border communities.

The Assembly also recommended the installation of solar-powered street lights, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and the development of a comprehensive emergency response system for schools considered vulnerable to attacks.

Furthermore, the House directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of Oriire Local Government Area and propose urgent legislative measures to strengthen security.

The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele. He noted that the local government area has experienced a series of attacks since January, including an assault on the National Park Service office in Oloka village, where five forest guards were killed.

Ogundele commended Governor Seyi Makinde for deploying security personnel to affected communities and personally visiting the area. However, he urged the government to provide additional support to security agencies and consider establishing a permanent military presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.

Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin called on the Federal Government to expedite efforts toward the establishment of state police as a long-term solution to insecurity.

The debate comes amid rising security concerns in Oyo State, including the reported abduction of Olaide John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan on Wednesday.