Reps Urge Swift Creation Of State Police After Oyo Kidnappings

The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to fast-track the creation of state and local police forces to address rising insecurity following recent kidnappings in Oyo State.

The Lawmakers also called on Nigerians to set aside political differences in confronting the country’s security challenges, noting that attackers do not discriminate based on political affiliation.

The House warned that delay in establishing decentralized policing structures are could further worsen the security crisis.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by member representing Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South Orire Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala.

Alao-Akala called for immediate steps to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers noting that
every hour lost increases the risk to victims.

“The federal government and security agencies must bring our remaining sons, daughters and teachers home alive without further delay,” he said,

He also urged the establishment of a permanent military operating base in Orire Local Government Area to strengthen the security presence around the Old Oyo National Park, which lawmakers described as a corridor for criminal activities.

The Lawmakers further condemned the killing of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly executed by his captors, describing it as a “barbaric act” that requires urgent government response.

In his contribution, member from Osun State, Bamidele Salam said such attacks threaten access to education, particularly for children from low-income families, and called for dedicated funding to improve school security.

Also member from Delta State, Benedict Etenabene said many Nigerians now live in fear and urged the president to accelerate the establishment of state police.

“We cannot keep delaying action while insecurity worsens,” he said.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji