Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiation With School Kidnappers

Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with kidnappers holding dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that security agencies should intensify rescue operations instead.

The lawmakers made their position known during plenary on Wednesday amid growing public concern over the fate of the victims, who were kidnapped during attacks on three schools in Ogbomoso axis of the state.

Lawmakers Back Rescue Operations Over Ransom Talks

The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, kidnapping about 39 students and seven teachers.

The situation worsened days later after Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.

Calls for negotiations intensified after a video surfaced on Instagram showing Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, and one of the abductees, appealing to authorities to negotiate with the kidnappers. In the video, she said the abductors had threatened to kill another victim if efforts were not made to secure their demands.

The incident triggered widespread outrage, leading to protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and other stakeholders across the country in recent days.

However, lawmakers maintained that opening negotiations with the abductors could encourage further attacks and embolden criminal groups operating in the state.

Speaking during the plenary, Adebo Ogundoyin said the focus should remain on securing the release of the victims through coordinated security operations.

According to reports gathered by RMNews360, the speaker warned that engaging with kidnappers could send the wrong message and worsen the security situation by incentivising future abductions.

He urged residents to continue supporting the efforts of security agencies and the administration of Seyi Makinde in securing the release of the captives.

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Assembly Orders Security Review of Vulnerable Schools

The House also directed the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board to immediately assess the security conditions of schools located near forests and border communities.

Lawmakers called for the installation of solar-powered lighting systems, perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras in schools considered vulnerable to attacks.

They further recommended the development of a comprehensive emergency response framework for schools across the state to improve preparedness and response during security incidents.

In addition, the Assembly mandated its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire Local Government Area for an on-the-spot assessment and submit recommendations for urgent legislative action.

The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Johnson Ogundele shortly after lawmakers resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir recess.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need for the Executive Arm of Government Through Its Security Architecture to Proactively Nip in the Bud the Spike and Recurring Bandit Attacks on Oriire Communities Since the Beginning of 2026 and to Intensify Rescue and Manhunt Operations to Secure the Release of the Abductees of the Recent Attack on Esiele, Oyo and Yawota Communities,” highlighted the worsening security situation in the area.

Fresh Security Concerns Emerge Across Oyo State

During the debate, Ogundele said Oriire communities had suffered repeated attacks since January, including an assault on a National Park Service office in Oloka village that reportedly claimed the lives of five forest guards.

He commended Governor Makinde for deploying security personnel, supporting rescue efforts and visiting affected communities following the attacks.

The lawmaker also urged the state government to increase support for security agencies and consider establishing a permanent military presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.

The motion was seconded by Sanjo Adedoyin, who called on the federal government to accelerate plans for the creation of state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.

The development comes amid growing concerns over a fresh wave of attacks across Oyo State. Earlier on Wednesday, gunmen reportedly abducted Olaide John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.

The latest incidents have renewed calls for stronger security measures as authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers and curb rising criminal activities in the state.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.