Oriire Abduction: Don’t Negotiate with Terrorists – Oyo Assembly

Urges FG to Fast-Track State Police, Commends Rescue Efforts

The Oyo State House of Assembly has reiterated the need for intensified security operations to secure the release of victims abducted during the recent attack on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The lawmakers also rejected calls for the state government to enter into negotiations with terrorists and kidnappers, insisting that such an approach could further encourage criminal activities across the state.

The resolution was reached following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele, during plenary after the Assembly resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.

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 Esinele, Oyo and Yawota Communities,” drew attention to the worsening security situation in parts of Oriire Local Government Area.

While presenting the motion, Ogundele recalled the May 15 invasion of Esinele, Oyo and Yawota communities by armed bandits who reportedly stormed schools during academic activities. The attack resulted in the deaths of a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while several teachers, pupils and students were abducted.

The lawmaker noted that the latest incident was part of a growing pattern of insecurity that had plagued the area since the beginning of the year. He referenced previous attacks, including an assault on the National Park Service office at Oloka village where five forest guards lost their lives.

Ogundele praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift intervention following the incident, including the deployment of security personnel, support for rescue operations and his visit to affected communities. He, however, called for additional security measures, including the establishment of a permanent military presence around vulnerable communities and forest corridors within the local government area.

The Assembly further urged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, alongside the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to conduct immediate security assessments of schools situated near forests and border settlements.

Lawmakers also advocated improved security infrastructure in schools, recommending the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. They additionally called for the development of a comprehensive emergency response framework for schools across Oyo State.

Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin renewed demands for the creation of state police, arguing that current security realities justify the need for decentralised policing. He urged the Federal Government to expedite the process and remove obstacles hindering its establishment.

According to Adedoyin, recent rescue efforts demonstrated the limitations faced by conventional security agencies operating in difficult forest terrains, often requiring the support of local vigilantes and personnel of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate stressed the need for stronger security measures.

Hon. Olubisi Oluranti commended the efforts of Governor Makinde and security agencies while calling for increased deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities.

Hon. Gbenga Oyekola attributed part of the security challenges to inadequate management and protection of the expansive forest reserve under federal control. He expressed concern over insufficient security presence within the reserve despite its vast size and strategic importance.

Oyekola also raised concerns about reports of mining activities and helicopter movements within parts of the forest, questioning the adequacy of security arrangements in the area.

On his part, Hon. Babajide Gabriel advocated comprehensive reforms of the nation’s security architecture. He recalled previous concerns raised by Governor Makinde regarding the constitutional limitations faced by state governors despite being designated as chief security officers of their states.

Gabriel further appealed for increased recruitment into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen grassroots security operations. He also condemned efforts to politicise insecurity, describing the challenge as a national issue that requires collective action.

Hon. Dawood Olalere observed that kidnapping had expanded beyond remote forest locations and was increasingly affecting urban and semi-urban areas. He referenced the reported abduction of a sister and two sons of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, as evidence of the growing threat.

He called for better equipment and modern weapons for Amotekun personnel, arguing that operatives armed with locally fabricated weapons face difficulties confronting heavily armed criminal gangs.

Following deliberations, the Assembly adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence and relevant security agencies to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.

The lawmakers also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to provide psychosocial support, trauma counselling and relief materials to affected families. Traditional rulers, community leaders and local government authorities were equally encouraged to strengthen intelligence gathering and community-based security initiatives.

In addition, the House directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to conduct an oversight visit to Oriire Local Government Area to evaluate the security situation, engage relevant stakeholders and recommend further legislative interventions.

Speaking after the debate, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, maintained that the state government should not negotiate with terrorists or kidnappers, warning that doing so could embolden criminal elements and increase future attacks.

While acknowledging the pain and anxiety being experienced by families of those still in captivity, the Speaker urged residents to continue supporting security agencies and the state government in ongoing rescue efforts.

He emphasized that sustained security operations, intelligence-driven actions and coordinated rescue missions remain the most effective means of securing the safe return of all victims.

Ogundoyin also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening security across Oyo State and preventing future attacks on schools and communities.