The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, has declared that the state government will not negotiate with the terrorists responsible for the abduction of 45 students and seven teachers in Orire Local Government Area.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from the Esienle and Yawota communities, sparking widespread concern across the state.
Speaking during a plenary session of the Assembly, Ogundoyin revealed that the abductors had presented certain demands to the government in exchange for the release of the hostages. However, he declined to disclose the specifics of those conditions.
Questioning the wisdom of negotiating with terrorist groups, the Speaker argued that yielding to their demands could have far-reaching consequences.
“If it was up to you, would you negotiate with terrorists? If terrorists ask for weapons, money, or concessions on future laws of this land as part of their ransom, would you accept those demands? If you were the governor, would you agree to such conditions or allow those people to be integrated into the community?” he asked.
“We do not know all the details, so please let us be sensitive and calm. The more you negotiate with these people, the more you embolden them,” Ogundoyin added.
He assured residents that the state government is committed to securing the safe release of the abducted students and teachers, stressing that all necessary resources and security measures are being deployed to achieve their rescue and return.
