The lawmakers said the focus should be on intensified rescue operations, intelligence-led security action and sustained pressure on the abductors until the victims are freed.
speaking during plenary on Wednesday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, warned that negotiating with kidnappers could encourage further attacks and strengthen criminal networks.
He said although the families of the victims were going through painful moments, residents should continue to support the efforts of security agencies and the state government.
According to him, engaging armed groups could send the wrong signal and worsen the security situation.
The lawmakers’ position followed the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The crisis deepened after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the abductors.
In a recent video, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among the abductees, pleaded for urgent intervention after the kidnappers reportedly threatened to kill another victim.
The House urged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board to immediately assess schools located near forests and border communities.
The lawmakers called for solar-powered lighting, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and a comprehensive emergency response framework for high-risk schools.
The Assembly also mandated its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire Local Government Area for an on-the-spot assessment and recommend urgent legislative action.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Johnson Ogundele, lawmaker representing Oriire State Constituency.
Ogundele said Oriire had suffered repeated attacks since January, including an assault on the National Park Service office in Oloka village, where five forest guards were killed.
The lawmaker commended Governor Seyi Makinde for deploying security operatives and visiting affected communities.
He, however, urged the government to increase support for security agencies and consider establishing a permanent military presence around vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin, who seconded the motion, also called on the Federal Government to accelerate plans for state police.
The debate came amid growing concern over insecurity in Oyo State, including Wednesday’s abduction of Olaide John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.
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