Oyo Assembly Takes Firm Stand as Lawmakers Reject Talks With Ogbomoso Kidnappers

The Oyo State House of Assembly has ruled out any form of negotiation with kidnappers holding pupils and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, insisting that security agencies should intensify rescue operations rather than engage criminals.
Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin warned that negotiating with kidnappers could embolden criminal groups and trigger more attacks across the state. He stressed that while families of the victims are enduring immense pain, residents should continue supporting ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government to secure their release.
The Assembly maintained that sustained pressure, intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security action remain the most effective strategies for rescuing the victims.
The lawmakers’ position comes in the wake of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers. The situation worsened after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the abductors.
In a recent video appeal, one of the abducted victims, Community High School principal Rachael Alamu, called for urgent intervention, alleging that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another captive.
To strengthen security around schools, the House directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board to assess schools located near forests and border communities. Lawmakers also recommended the installation of solar-powered lights, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and the development of a comprehensive emergency response framework for vulnerable schools.
The Assembly further mandated its Committee on Security and Strategy to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of Oriire Local Government Area and propose urgent legislative measures.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Johnson Ogundele, representing Oriire State Constituency. He noted that the area has witnessed repeated security breaches since January, including an attack on the National Park Service office in Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.
While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for deploying security personnel and visiting affected communities, Ogundele called for greater support for security agencies and the establishment of a permanent military presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin, who seconded the motion, also urged the Federal Government to fast-track the creation of state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
The debate unfolded amid growing security concerns in Oyo State, including the reported abduction of Olaide John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.