By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with the kidnappers holding dozens of teachers and pupils abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The lawmakers insisted that negotiating with the abductors could embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks on schools and communities. Instead, the Assembly called for intensified rescue operations and stronger support for security agencies working to secure the release of the victims.
The resolution followed growing public concern over the continued captivity of seven teachers and 39 pupils abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity, further heightening outrage across the country.
The Assembly also urged the government to conduct security audits of schools located near forests and vulnerable border communities, while advocating improved surveillance infrastructure, including security lighting and perimeter protection.
The decision comes amid nationwide protests by teachers, students, labour groups, and civil society organisations demanding the safe return of the abducted victims.
As pressure mounts on authorities, many Nigerians continue to ask a difficult question: how many more children must be kidnapped before schools become truly safe?
Leave a Reply