The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with bandits responsible for the abduction of teachers and students during a coordinated attack on Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area.
Instead, the lawmakers called for intensified security operations to secure the immediate release of all victims kidnapped during the May 15, 2026 attack.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele, during plenary shortly after the Assembly resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir recess.
Presenting the motion, Ogundele recalled how armed bandits invaded Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities during school hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcycle rider before abducting dozens of pupils, students and teachers.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in Oriire LGA, noting that the area has experienced repeated attacks since January. He cited the attack on the National Park Service office in Oloka village, where five forest guards were killed.
Ogundele urged Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen security measures in the area through increased deployment of security personnel and direct engagement with affected communities. He also advocated the establishment of a permanent military base in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
The Assembly further directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct immediate security audits of schools located near forests and border communities across the state.
Lawmakers also called for the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable schools, as well as the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for public and private institutions.
Seconding the motion, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South), renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that existing security structures were overstretched and unable to effectively respond to threats in difficult terrains.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Olubisi Oluranti (Ogbomoso North), Hon. Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba) and Hon. Gabriel Babajide (Ibadan North II), advocated increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced protection of forest reserves and broader reforms of the nation's security architecture.
They also expressed concern over the rising incidence of kidnapping in urban centres and called for improved funding, equipment and logistics for the Amotekun Corps.
The House subsequently adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Oriire LGA and strengthen intelligence-driven security operations in the area.
Ruling on the debate, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin dismissed any suggestion of negotiating with kidnappers, warning that such a move would embolden criminal elements and further worsen insecurity.
He urged sustained collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims and reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to supporting stronger security measures across Oyo State.