In a bid to strengthen security in Oyo State, The Oyo State House of Assembly has tasked security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims abducted during recent attacks on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area, expressing concern over the growing security challenges confronting the area.
The lawmakers made the call during plenary while considering a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Mr. Johnson Ogundele.
The House stressed the need for swift intervention to secure the release of those still in captivity and restore confidence among residents.
Presenting the motion, Mr. Ogundele lamented the recurring attacks by suspected bandits in Oriire, noting that the local government had witnessed a series of security breaches since January. He cited the attack on the National Park Service office in Oloka village, where five forest guards were reportedly killed, as evidence of the worsening situation.
The lawmaker also called on the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as well as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to carry out comprehensive security assessments of schools situated near forests and border communities to prevent future attacks.
While deliberating on the security concerns, the Assembly also approved a request by Governor Seyi Makinde to issue a N200 billion Infrastructure Bond aimed at refinancing existing short-term loans used for key infrastructure projects across the state.
The approval followed the consideration of a formal request transmitted by the governor and read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin. The governor explained that the bond would be sourced from the capital market to restructure the state’s debt obligations and ensure the continuity of ongoing development projects.
According to Governor Makinde, the refinancing plan is designed to improve the state’s fiscal stability, sustain economic growth and enhance service delivery, while providing a more sustainable framework for funding critical infrastructure projects across Oyo State.