The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected suggestions that the state government should negotiate with bandits responsible for the abduction of students and teachers during an attack on communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

Instead, lawmakers called for intensified security operations to ensure the safe rescue of all victims kidnapped during the coordinated assault on Ahoro-Esiele and surrounding communities on May 15, 2026.

The resolution was adopted following a motion of urgent public importance presented by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, during plenary on Wednesday after the Assembly resumed from its Eid-el-Kabir recess.

While presenting the motion, Ogundele expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Oriire LGA. He recalled that armed bandits invaded Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo and Yawota communities during school hours, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while abducting several pupils, students and teachers.

The lawmaker noted that the area had experienced a series of security incidents since the beginning of the year, including an attack on a National Park Service facility in Oloka village where five forest guards lost their lives.

Ogundele commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt response to the crisis, including the deployment of security personnel, rescue operations and his visit to affected communities. He also appealed for increased support for security agencies and the establishment of a permanent military base in vulnerable communities and forest corridors within the area.

The Assembly further directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to immediately carry out security assessments of schools located near forests and border communities across the state.

Lawmakers also urged the government to accelerate the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV surveillance systems in schools considered vulnerable. In addition, they called for the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private educational institutions.

Reaffirming its position, the House declared that it would not support negotiations with the kidnappers, maintaining that such an approach was not in the state's best interest.

Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the creation of state police, urging the Federal Government to remove obstacles delaying its establishment.

According to him, recent rescue efforts highlighted the challenges conventional security agencies face when operating in dense forest areas, often relying on local vigilantes and operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, to navigate difficult terrain.

Adedoyin argued that the current security realities across the country further justified the need for state policing and called for urgent action on the proposal.

Other lawmakers also contributed to the debate. Olubisi Oluranti praised the efforts of Governor Makinde and security agencies but stressed the need for more personnel to be deployed to vulnerable communities to prevent future attacks.

Gbenga Oyekola attributed part of the security challenges to inadequate management and protection of the vast forest reserves owned by the Federal Government. He expressed concern over the limited security presence within the forests despite reports of mining activities and helicopter movements in some areas.

Babajide Gabriel, on his part, advocated comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security structure. He recalled previous concerns raised by Governor Makinde regarding the limitations faced by governors, who are recognised as chief security officers of their states but lack direct control over security agencies.

Gabriel also called for increased recruitment into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen local security operations and criticised attempts to politicise the security situation for partisan purposes.

Similarly, Dawood Olalere observed that kidnapping was no longer confined to remote forest areas, noting that urban and semi-urban communities were increasingly becoming targets. He cited the reported abduction of the sister of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and her two sons as evidence of the growing threat.

Olalere further urged the government to provide better equipment and modern weapons for Amotekun personnel, arguing that officers armed with locally made weapons could not effectively confront heavily armed criminal groups.

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

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

The House further directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire LGA, assess the situation on the ground, engage relevant stakeholders and recommend urgent legislative measures.

In his remarks, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin strongly dismissed calls for dialogue with kidnappers and terrorists, warning that such a move could encourage further criminal activities.

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

Ogundoyin maintained that negotiating with criminal groups would send the wrong message and potentially strengthen their operations. He stressed that the priority should remain on sustained security actions, intelligence gathering and coordinated rescue missions aimed at securing the release of all victims.

The Speaker also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would enhance security across Oyo State and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.