Oyo lawmakers reject negotiations with kidnappers, demand intensified rescue operations

Lawmakers in Oyo State have firmly rejected any suggestion of negotiating with the bandits responsible for a recent abduction of teachers and students. Instead, they are demanding that the state government intensify rescue operations to secure the victims' release. The Oyo State House of Assembly passed a motion calling for a proactive approach to combatting escalating banditry in the Oriire Local Government Area. The resolution followed a report detailing the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esienle, Oyo, and Yawota communities, where armed assailants killed a teacher, a student, and an okada rider before abducting dozens of students and educators. The lawmakers highlighted a pattern of increasing bandit activities since the beginning of 2026, including a prior attack that resulted in the deaths of five forest guards. While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his response, the assembly urged further support for security agencies and the establishment of a permanent military base in vulnerable areas. The Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board are also tasked with conducting security audits of schools near forests and borders. Recommendations include installing solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing, and CCTV cameras, alongside developing a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol.

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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.