Oriire School Attacks: Ogundoyin Calls For Stronger Action Against Kidnappers, Sympathises With Victims’ Families
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has condemned the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers, a Mathematics teacher, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger and coordinated measures to address the growing threat of insecurity across the state.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, in a statement issued on Monday, expressed sadness over the tragic incident and the disturbing viral video showing the killing of the teacher while in captivity, noting that the development should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders on the need to take decisive action against criminal activities.
The Speaker described the attack on schools and innocent citizens as a direct assault on the future of society, emphasizing that educational institutions must remain secure spaces where teachers can discharge their duties and students can pursue learning without fear.
According to him, beyond condemning the incident, government at all levels and lawmakers have a responsibility to strengthen structures that can prevent future occurrences.
“I received with deep sorrow the unfortunate reports of the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government and the subsequent killing of one of the teachers in such a barbaric manner. It is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Schools must never become hunting grounds for criminals,” Ogundoyin said.
The Speaker called for deployment of more surveillance technology, strengthening of intelligence gathering systems and increasing support for local security networks and law enforcement agencies as viable means of putting an end to the diabolical activities of kidnappers and bandits.
He noted that there is a need for enhanced collaboration among conventional security agencies, local vigilante groups, community leaders and residents, adding that community-based intelligence remains a major tool in combating insecurity.
“We need to strengthen security structures through technology, improved intelligence gathering, expansion of local security operations and sustained support for security agencies. Rural communities and schools should not be left vulnerable.”
Speaking on the role of lawmakers, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin stated that the Oyo State House of Assembly would continue to support laws and policies capable of improving security and protecting lives and property across the state.
“As lawmakers, we also have a duty to continue reviewing existing laws and introducing necessary legislative interventions that will strengthen security efforts. We must support policies and budgetary allocations that enhance intelligence, security operations and protection of our people.”
The Speaker also called for improved security around schools, especially in rural communities, including regular security assessments and strategic measures that can prevent attacks on educational institutions.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts towards rescuing all victims still in captivity while ensuring that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin extended condolences to the family of the deceased teacher and assured residents of the state’s commitment to supporting measures that would restore public confidence and strengthen security across Oyo State.
“We cannot normalize this level of violence. Every life matters, and every effort must be made to stop the tide of abduction, killings and criminality in our society,” he added.