Oyo Assembly Raises Alarm Over Insecurity In Border Communities

The Oyo State House of Assembly has raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in border communities following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed the concern during a strategic meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

Ogundoyin said remote settlements and porous borders had become attractive to criminals carrying out kidnappings and attacks.

“Many criminal elements take advantage of porous borders and remote communities to perpetrate kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities,” he said.

He called for stronger intelligence gathering and increased patrols in vulnerable areas.

“There is an urgent need to strengthen intelligence gathering, increase patrol operations and sustain proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property across Oyo State,” the Speaker added.

Ogundoyin commended security agencies for their efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

“We appreciate the ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers. We remain confident in the commitment and professionalism of the security personnel handling the operation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral video claiming that the abducted pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities were flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command described the claim as false and misleading.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that the content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement read.

The police said security agencies were still working to secure the release of the victims.

“Intensive rescue operations remain ongoing. The Oyo State Police Command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted victims,” the command said.

The command warned residents against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic or obstructing rescue efforts.

“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also capable of creating unnecessary panic, misleading the public and obstructing security operations,” the statement added.

It said anyone found originating or circulating false information to undermine security agencies would face legal consequences.