Oyo Assembly warns of school abductions amid porous borders

…Police debunk victim’s helicopter transfer claim
By Adeola Badru

Oyo State House of Assembly has voiced new concerns about increasing insecurity in border communities after pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. The state Police Command, yesterday, denied claims that the victims had been flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.

During a strategic meeting at Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the House Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, voiced concerns about the growing wave of kidnappings and criminal acts in Oke‑Ogun and other border communities, meeting with Police Commissioner Mr. Abimbola Olugbenga.

The meeting was prompted by anxieties over the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, as security agencies intensified efforts to secure their release.

After the meeting, Ogundoyin warned that porous borders and remote settlements have become operational bases for criminal elements.

Many criminal elements take advantage of porous borders and remote communities to perpetrate kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities.

He urged stronger intelligence gathering and increased patrols in vulnerable communities, stating: ‘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.’