House of Representatives Pushes for State Police

The House of Representatives has renewed calls for the immediate implementation of state police and broader security reforms following the tragic kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and the gruesome killing of a schoolteacher by his abductors.

The resolution came after a Motion of Urgent Public Importance was presented by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala during plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Raising concern over the worsening security situation in Ogbomoso and Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Alao-Akala described the growing wave of attacks as a serious threat not only to the South-West region but to the entire country.

The lawmaker recalled the shocking attack that occurred on May 16, 2025, when armed bandits stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School. According to reports, more than 30 pupils and teachers were abducted in broad daylight, leaving residents and families devastated.

He also expressed deep sorrow over the death of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded while in captivity. Alao-Akala described the killing as horrifying and barbaric, saying it had deeply shaken the nation.

According to him, several families in the affected communities are still living in fear and uncertainty as some of the victims remain in captivity. He stressed that every passing day increases the danger facing those yet to be rescued.

While commending security agencies and acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to the area, the lawmaker insisted that stronger and more sustainable security measures must be introduced to prevent future attacks.

Alao-Akala explained that the vast forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, which borders Kwara State and links to international routes, have become safe corridors for criminal groups, making communities in the Orire axis highly vulnerable to repeated kidnappings and violent crimes.

During deliberations, lawmakers noted that the National Assembly had previously recommended a decentralised security structure that includes state policing, local government policing units, decentralised courts, and improved intelligence gathering systems.

Members of the House argued that Nigeria’s current centralised policing system has struggled to effectively tackle local security threats across different regions of the country.

Following the debate, the House resolved to urge the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and secure the release of the remaining abducted pupils and teachers without delay.

Lawmakers also called for the establishment of a permanent military Forward Operating Base in Orire Local Government Area to strengthen security operations around the Old Oyo National Park and nearby communities.

In addition, the House demanded the immediate implementation of the National Assembly’s recommendations on decentralised security reforms, including state police, local policing structures, decentralised courts, and a coordinated national intelligence and surveillance framework.

The House further directed 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.

The latest development has once again intensified the national conversation around state policing and the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms as insecurity continues to affect communities across Nigeria.