Oyo Speaker Defends Assembly’s Rejection of Negotiation With Terrorists, Cites Risks of Money, Supply of Weapons to Bandits, Law Changes to Favour Terrorism

‎Oyo Speaker Defends Assembly’s Rejection of Negotiation With Terrorists, Cites Risks of Money, Supply of Weapons to Bandits, Law Changes to Favour Terrorism
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‎The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has defended the Assembly’s decision to reject negotiations with the terrorists holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, warning that yielding to such demands could strengthen criminal networks and worsen security challenges in the state.
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‎Ogundoyin made the remarks while responding to calls from some quarters urging the government to negotiate with the abductors to secure the release of the victims.
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‎The Speaker maintained that while the pain, anxiety and frustration of families whose loved ones remain in captivity are understandable, government must carefully consider the broader implications of negotiating with terrorists.
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‎According to him, members of the public may not be privy to the details of the demands being made by the kidnappers, making it difficult to fully understand the complexities surrounding the hostage situation and the actions already taken by the government.
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‎He assured residents that the state government and security agencies are doing everything within their powers to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
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‎“Everything that is necessary for them to bring these children and teachers back is being done,” Ogundoyin said.
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‎The Speaker questioned the wisdom of negotiating with terrorists, arguing that doing so could open the door to dangerous demands that would undermine public safety and national security.
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‎“If it was up to you, would you negotiate with terrorists? If terrorists ask for weapons, they ask for money, they ask for concessions on future laws of this land as part of their ransom, would you accept those demands?” he queried.
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‎Ogundoyin warned that meeting such demands could result in the financing of criminal activities, the supply of weapons to armed groups and concessions that could ultimately favour terrorism and weaken the authority of the state.
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‎He also expressed concerns that criminal elements could seek legitimacy or integration into communities as part of negotiated settlements, creating long-term security threats for affected areas.
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‎“We don’t know the details. So please, let’s be sensitive and calm. You do not know the details. The more you negotiate with these people, the more you are going to embolden them,” he said.
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‎The Speaker stressed that every successful negotiation with terrorists sends a dangerous signal that kidnapping and violence can be rewarded, thereby encouraging further attacks on schools, communities and innocent citizens.
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‎He therefore appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting ongoing rescue operations through cooperation with security agencies and the provision of credible intelligence.
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‎Ogundoyin reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State House of Assembly to supporting all lawful measures aimed at strengthening security, rescuing the abducted victims and preventing a recurrence of attacks on schools and communities across the state.
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‎He expressed confidence that with sustained security operations and collaboration among stakeholders, the abducted pupils and teachers would be rescued safely and reunited with their families.
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