By Gloria Attah
The House of Representatives on Tuesday renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to fast-track reforms aimed at decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture in response to worsening insecurity and rising cases of abduction across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ogbomosho North/Ogbomosho South/Orire Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Ayodeji Alao-Akala.
Presenting the motion, Alao-Akala lamented the escalating security crisis in Ogbomosho and Orire Local Government Areas, citing the recent abduction of schoolchildren and the killing of a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, by suspected kidnappers.
He described the attacks as part of a growing wave of violence that has left residents living in fear.
“The House notes with a heavy and grieving heart the unrelenting siege upon the people of Ogbomosho and Orire Local Government Areas,” he said, recalling the abduction of more than 30 pupils, students and teachers from schools in the area on May 16, 2025.
According to him, parents watched helplessly as armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and LEA Primary School, dragging children and teachers into nearby forests.
Alao-Akala expressed outrage over the killing of Oyedokun while in captivity, describing the incident as a brutal act that underscores the need for urgent government intervention.
“The House is deeply disturbed by the barbaric execution of Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher, who was beheaded in captivity by his abductors,” he said.
He noted that several victims remain in captivity, leaving their families in anguish and uncertainty.
“Every passing hour of their captivity is an hour of unbearable agony for families who do not know whether their loved ones are alive or dead,” he added.
While acknowledging the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to the region, Alao-Akala argued that more decisive measures were needed to prevent further attacks.
He warned that the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forests have become safe havens for criminal groups due to the vast terrain and access routes connecting neighbouring states and international borders.
According to him, the House had previously endorsed recommendations supporting state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts and integrated intelligence systems as part of broader security reforms.
He cautioned that continued delays in implementing the framework would leave communities exposed to criminal activities.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State, Bamidele Salam, expressed concern over the growing trend of attacks on schools.
“The abduction of schoolchildren, which began with the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, is becoming a disturbing trend,” Salam said.
He stressed that access to education should not be threatened by insecurity, adding that the government must protect children, especially those attending public schools.
Salam also called for the establishment of a specialised security force dedicated to safeguarding schools nationwide.
“I disagree with those who say we cannot protect all schools. The government can do this,” he said.
Also speaking, the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, described insecurity as a national crisis requiring urgent and practical solutions.
“From the North to the South, Nigerians are living in fear for their lives and property. We cannot continue to politicise insecurity or delay discussions on state policing,” he said.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of all students and teachers still being held by their abductors.
Lawmakers also called for the establishment of a permanent Forward Operating Base in Orire Local Government Area to strengthen security operations around the Old Oyo National Park and neighbouring communities.
The House further urged both the Executive and Legislative arms of government to expedite measures aimed at decentralising policing and improving security across the country.
