The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for intensified security operations to secure the release of victims abducted during recent attacks on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The lawmakers also firmly rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele, during plenary after the House resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir recess.
Presenting the motion, Ogundele raised concerns over the increasing wave of insecurity in parts of Oriire Local Government Area, particularly the May 15 attack on Esinele, Oyo and Yawota communities. According to him, armed bandits invaded schools during school hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while abducting several students, pupils and teachers.
He noted that the attacks were part of a growing pattern of criminal activities in the area since the beginning of 2026, including an earlier assault on a National Park Service office at Oloka village where five forest guards were reportedly killed.
Ogundele commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response, deployment of security personnel, rescue efforts and visit to the affected communities. He, however, urged the state government to strengthen support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base in and around vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
The Assembly also directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct security audits of schools located near forests and border communities across the state.
Lawmakers further called for the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras in vulnerable schools, as well as the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private schools.
Seconding the motion, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that recent rescue efforts highlighted the limitations faced by conventional security agencies in difficult forest terrains.
Other lawmakers stressed the need for increased deployment of security personnel, improved management of forest reserves and the recruitment of additional operatives into the Amotekun Corps to enhance local security operations.
The House also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to provide trauma counselling, psychosocial support and relief materials to affected families.
In addition, lawmakers directed the House Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire Local Government Area to assess the security situation, engage stakeholders and recommend further legislative interventions.
Speaking at the plenary, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, dismissed suggestions that the government should negotiate with terrorists and kidnappers, warning that such a move could embolden criminal groups and encourage more attacks.
While sympathising with families of those still in captivity, the Speaker urged residents to continue supporting security agencies and ongoing rescue operations.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting measures aimed at strengthening security across Oyo State and preventing future attacks on schools and communities.
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