IBADAN, OYO STATE — Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have rejected calls for negotiations with kidnappers holding abducted teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that security agencies should focus on rescue operations aimed at securing the victims’ freedom.
The lawmakers made their position known amid growing concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, a development that has generated widespread anxiety among families, community leaders, and residents across the state.
During deliberations on the security situation, members of the Assembly reportedly expressed concern about the increasing threat posed by kidnapping syndicates and warned that engaging in negotiations with criminals could encourage further abductions. They argued that yielding to kidnappers’ demands may strengthen criminal networks and create incentives for future attacks on schools and vulnerable communities.
The legislators instead called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated rescue operations to ensure the safe release of the victims. They urged authorities to deploy all necessary resources toward locating the abducted individuals and dismantling the criminal groups responsible for the incident.
Lawmakers also emphasized the need for stronger security measures around educational institutions, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where schools may be more vulnerable to attacks. They stressed that ensuring the safety of students and teachers must remain a top priority for government at all levels.
The Assembly further appealed to the federal government and relevant security agencies to strengthen collaboration with state authorities in addressing insecurity and preventing future incidents. Members noted that the recurring nature of school-related abductions continues to threaten educational development and public confidence in the safety of learning environments.
The abduction in Oriire Local Government Area has attracted national attention, with political leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens calling for urgent action to secure the victims’ release. Families of those affected have continued to appeal for swift intervention, expressing fears over the wellbeing of their loved ones.
Security experts have long warned that kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, often requiring a combination of intelligence-led operations, community cooperation, and sustained law enforcement action. They note that negotiations with criminal groups remain a contentious issue, with differing views on their effectiveness and long-term consequences.
As efforts to locate the victims continue, the Oyo State House of Assembly has reiterated its support for all lawful measures aimed at rescuing the abducted teachers and students and restoring confidence in the state’s security architecture.
The lawmakers maintained that protecting lives and ensuring the safe return of the victims should remain the immediate focus of authorities, while broader strategies are developed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
