The Oyo school abduction involving pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has triggered renewed concerns over security in border communities, with the Oyo State House of Assembly calling for stronger surveillance and intelligence gathering across vulnerable areas.
The concerns emerged during a strategic meeting between the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, and the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The meeting comes amid growing anxiety over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release. Lawmakers and security officials also discussed measures to address emerging threats in remote communities across the state.
Speaking after the meeting, Ogundoyin expressed concern over the increasing activities of criminal groups operating in border settlements, particularly within the Oke-Ogun axis and other remote areas. According to him, weak border monitoring and isolated communities have created opportunities for kidnappers and other criminal elements to operate with relative ease.
“Many criminal elements take advantage of porous borders and remote communities to perpetrate kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities,” he said.
The Speaker called for stronger intelligence gathering mechanisms and increased patrol operations across vulnerable locations. He stressed the need for sustained proactive policing to protect residents and prevent further security breaches.
“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. Ogundoyin also commended security personnel involved in ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.
“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 refuted claims circulating on social media 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 report as false and lacking any credible evidence.
“The content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.
Police authorities warned that the spread of misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations and create unnecessary panic among residents. According to the command, intensive rescue efforts remain underway through 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 latest Oyo school abduction has renewed conversations about security management in rural communities and border regions. Stakeholders argue that stronger cooperation among security agencies, lawmakers, local authorities, and community leaders will be essential in tackling emerging threats.
Both the Assembly and the police agreed that improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and public vigilance remain critical to addressing insecurity and ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. As rescue operations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain calm and rely only on information released through official channels while security agencies work to bring the victims home safely.
