The Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday firmly rejected suggestions that the state government should open negotiations with armed groups responsible for the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
Lawmakers instead demanded intensified rescue operations and stronger security measures to ensure the safe return of victims taken during the assault on Ahoro-Esiele on May 15, 2026.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the representative of Oriire Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, shortly after plenary resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir recess.
The motion drew attention to worsening insecurity in parts of the local government area, which has experienced repeated attacks in recent months.
Ogundele recalled that during the coordinated attack, armed men invaded schools and surrounding communities, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while abducting several pupils, students and teachers.
He also noted earlier incidents, including attacks on forest security personnel in the area.
The lawmaker urged the state government to strengthen security deployments, establish a permanent military presence in vulnerable communities, and improve rapid response mechanisms.
He further called for enhanced protection of schools located near forest corridors.
The Assembly also mandated that relevant education authorities conduct security assessments of schools in high-risk areas and install safety infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, CCTV systems, and solar-powered lighting.
During deliberations, lawmakers unanimously rejected any proposal for negotiation with the abductors, warning that such an approach could encourage further criminal activity.
The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, maintained that engaging kidnappers would embolden criminal networks and undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
Instead, members urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Oriire and strengthen national security operations in forested areas where criminal groups are believed to operate.
Lawmakers also called for improved support for the Amotekun Corps and other local security initiatives, alongside trauma care and relief assistance for affected families.
The House further directed its security committee to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities and recommend urgent interventions.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to secure the release of abducted victims and prevent future attacks on schools in the state.
