The Oyo State House of Assembly has raised fresh concerns over growing insecurity in border communities following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The development has renewed calls for stronger security measures across vulnerable parts of the state, while the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming the victims were flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, voiced concern over the increasing incidents of kidnapping and criminal attacks affecting communities in Oke-Ogun and other border areas. Ogundoyin made the remarks during a strategic security meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abimbola Olugbenga, at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The meeting took place amid growing public anxiety over the fate of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, as security agencies continue efforts to secure their safe release. According to the Speaker, criminal groups have continued to exploit weak border controls and isolated settlements to carry out illegal activities.
“Many criminal elements take advantage of porous borders and remote communities to perpetrate kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities,” Ogundoyin stated. He stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, increased surveillance and sustained patrol operations across high-risk communities.
“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,” he added.
Despite the security concerns, the Speaker commended security agencies for their ongoing 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,” Ogundoyin said.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that the abducted victims were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command described the claim as false, misleading and unsupported by evidence.
“The content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.
The police warned that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations and create unnecessary panic among residents. According to the command, intensive rescue efforts remain underway in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies.
“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 statement added.
The police expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to spread unverified information capable of damaging public trust in security operations.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also capable of creating unnecessary panic, misleading the public and obstructing security operations,” the command stated.
Authorities warned that individuals found originating or sharing false reports designed to undermine security efforts could face legal consequences. Residents were urged to remain calm and rely only on verified information released through official channels.
Both the Oyo State House of Assembly and the Police Command agreed on the need for deeper cooperation among security agencies, the executive arm of government and lawmakers to address emerging security threats and improve safety across the state. Officials maintained that enhanced coordination, intelligence sharing and community engagement remain critical to combating criminal activities in border communities and ensuring the safe return of the abducted victims.
