Oyo Lawmakers Reject Talks with Kidnappers, Call for Intensified Rescue Operations

The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed calls to negotiate with kidnappers holding dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Lawmakers urged security agencies to focus on coordinated rescue efforts instead of dialogue with criminal gangs. On May 15, armed attackers abducted about 39 students and seven teachers from three schools. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed and another victim faced renewed threats. A video appeal by Principal Rachael Alamu highlighted the urgent need for action. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin warned that negotiating would embolden bandits and strengthen criminal networks. The Assembly directed the Education Ministry and SUBEB to assess security at schools near forests and border communities, recommending solar lights, perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras. Lawmakers also tasked their Security and Strategy Committee to visit Oriire for an on-site assessment and urged support for sustained intelligence-driven operations. They commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s swift deployment of security forces and backed calls for state police amid growing insecurity.

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