•House of Representatives
In a bid to ensure the well-being of the citizenry, the House of Representatives has called for the immediate implementation of state policing and other structural security reforms following the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the killing of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, by his captors.
The call followed a Motion of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who described the security situation in Ogbomoso and Orire as a growing threat to the South-West and the nation at large, reports The Guardian.
Presenting the motion, Alao-Akala, at plenary presided by Speaker Abass Tajudeen recounted the May 16, 2025 attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, where more than 30 pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted by armed bandits in broad daylight.
The lawmaker expressed grief over the murder of mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded while in captivity, describing the act as barbaric and one that had shocked the conscience of the nation.
He noted that many families in the affected communities remain traumatised as some of the victims are still in captivity, stressing that every passing hour increases the danger to their lives.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies and President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for the area, Alao-Akala said urgent and more far-reaching measures were required to prevent further attacks.
According to him, the vast forest areas around the Old Oyo National Park, which borders Kwara State and connects to international routes, have become operational corridors for criminal groups, making the Orire axis vulnerable to recurring attacks.
The House noted that it had previously adopted recommendations advocating a decentralised security architecture, including the establishment of state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts and integrated intelligence systems.
Lawmakers argued that Nigeria’s current centralised policing structure has struggled to effectively address localised security challenges across different parts of the country.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to urge the federal government and all security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted pupils and teachers without further delay.
The House also called for the establishment of a permanent military Forward Operating Base in Orire Local Government Area to provide sustained security coverage across the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding communities.
In addition, lawmakers demanded the immediate commencement of the implementation of the National Assembly’s recommendations on decentralised security reforms, including state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts and a coordinated national intelligence and surveillance framework.
The House further mandated its Committees on Defence, Interior, Police Affairs and National Security to jointly monitor the implementation of the resolutions and submit a progress report within 30 days.
A minute of silence was also observed in honour of Michael Oyedokun, other victims of the Orire attack, victims of kidnapping and banditry across the country, and security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
