KEY POINTS

• Oyo lawmakers have rejected proposals to negotiate with kidnappers, insisting on intensified rescue operations instead.
• The stance follows the abduction of about 39 students and seven teachers in Ogbomoso and the killing of one victim.
• The Assembly is calling for stronger school security measures and improved protection for vulnerable communities.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with kidnappers responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, insisting that rescue operations must remain the priority.

The lawmakers made their position known during plenary on Wednesday, amid growing public concern over repeated bandit attacks in parts of the state.

They warned that engaging in negotiations with armed groups could embolden criminals and worsen the security situation across Oyo communities.

The debate follows a deadly attack on May 15, 2026, when suspected bandits invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers.

Tensions heightened after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the captors.

A recent video released on social media by one of the abducted school principals, Rachael Alamu, further intensified public outrage as she revealed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim if their demands were not met.

The situation triggered protests nationwide, with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding urgent government intervention.

Lawmakers Demand Stronger Security Response

Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, stressed that while families of victims are in distress, the focus should remain on intelligence-led rescue operations rather than dialogue with terrorists.

He urged continued cooperation with security agencies and backed sustained pressure on the abductors until the victims are safely rescued.

The House also called on relevant education authorities to assess vulnerable schools and improve safety measures, including fencing, solar lighting, and surveillance systems.

A legislative committee has also been mandated to visit Oriire LGA for an on-the-spot assessment and recommend urgent actions.

Lawmakers further urged the government to strengthen emergency response systems in schools and improve security around border and forest-adjacent communities.

They also renewed calls for increased support to security agencies and the possible establishment of a permanent military presence in high-risk areas.

The motion, which prompted the resolution, highlighted repeated attacks in Oriire since early 2026, including an earlier assault on forest guards in which five personnel were killed.