Nigeria TV Info 

Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiation with Bandits Over School Abduction Crisis

The Oyo State House of Assembly has firmly rejected any form of negotiation with armed groups responsible for recent school abductions, insisting that dialogue would only embolden criminal activity across the state.

Lawmakers made the position known during a plenary session held in Ibadan, following growing concerns over rising insecurity and repeated attacks on educational institutions in Oyo State and other parts of the southwest region.

The Assembly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren, describing it as a disturbing escalation of criminal violence targeting vulnerable communities. Members emphasized that the protection of students and schools must remain a top priority for both state and federal security agencies.

They called on the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations, improve surveillance around schools, and strengthen rapid-response capabilities to prevent future incidents. Legislators also urged the deployment of more security personnel to high-risk areas.

The House further stressed the need for long-term security reforms, including improved community policing and better coordination between local vigilantes and formal security agencies. While sympathizing with affected families, lawmakers maintained that negotiating with bandits would undermine ongoing security efforts and national stability.

Security experts have also weighed in, warning that inconsistent responses to abduction cases could worsen the crisis if not urgently addressed with a unified strategy.