The Oyo State House of Assembly has taken a firm position on the growing security crisis in Oriire Local Government Area, rejecting calls for negotiations with kidnappers and demanding intensified efforts to rescue abducted students and teachers.
The decision comes amid rising public anxiety over the fate of victims taken during the attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele and nearby communities.
The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, left residents devastated and renewed concerns about security around schools and rural communities.
The resolution followed a motion presented by the lawmaker representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, shortly after the Assembly resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.
The motion focused on the worsening security situation in parts of Oriire. Moreover, it highlighted repeated attacks that have affected residents since the beginning of the year.
Speaking during the debate, Ogundele recalled the deadly school attack that shook the area.
According to him, armed men invaded schools during learning hours and carried out a coordinated operation.
He said, “Oriire had witnessed increasing bandit activities since January, including the attack on the National Park Service office at Oloka village where five forest guards were killed.”
The lawmaker also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for responding quickly after the attack.
He stated, “Let me use this period to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response, deployment of security operatives, rescue efforts and personal visit to the affected communities.”
Furthermore, he urged authorities to strengthen security presence around vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
Meanwhile, members of the Assembly proposed additional measures to improve school safety across the state.
The House called on the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board to conduct urgent security reviews of schools located near forests and border communities.
Lawmakers also recommended the installation of solar-powered lights, perimeter fencing, and CCTV cameras in vulnerable schools.
In addition, they pushed for the development of a Safe School Emergency Response Protocol across public and private schools.
However, the strongest reaction came when the Assembly addressed suggestions that government officials should negotiate with the kidnappers.
Lawmakers rejected the idea outright.
According to the Assembly, “The Assembly equally rejects suggestions and calls that the state government should negotiate with the bandits who abducted teachers and students during the coordinated attack in a community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on Friday, May 15, 2026.”
The Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, renewed calls for the establishment of state police.
He argued that security agencies often struggle in remote forests and difficult terrain.
Therefore, he said local security structures would help improve response times.
Several lawmakers also raised concerns about security challenges within forest reserves.
They noted that criminal groups continue to exploit vast and poorly monitored areas.
Meanwhile, some members pointed to the recent abduction of relatives of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, as evidence that kidnapping threats are expanding beyond rural communities.
The Speaker warned that negotiating with kidnappers could encourage more attacks.
He stressed that sustained security operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated rescue missions remain the best path forward.
Furthermore, the House called for the establishment of a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.
Lawmakers also urged OYSEMA to provide support and counseling for affected families.
