The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently strengthen security measures across Oyo State following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the branch chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, who expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities in the state.
The call follows coordinated assaults on three schools—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele—where armed men reportedly kidnapped teachers and students in the early hours of last Friday.
The NBA condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as a “barbaric act” that should not be allowed to take root in a state that has long been regarded as relatively peaceful and stable.
The association warned that the continued recurrence of such attacks reflects a deepening security challenge that requires urgent and strategic intervention beyond routine government responses.
It urged the state government to take a closer look at the influx of persons into Oyo State, noting that uncontrolled migration and weak monitoring systems could be creating room for criminal infiltration into communities.
The NBA further recommended stricter regulation of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, proposing a temporary suspension of operations to enable proper identification and verification of operators.
It also called for intensified security operations in forest reserves across the state, stressing that such areas must be thoroughly combed to flush out criminal elements allegedly using them as hideouts.
Beyond state measures, the association urged both federal and state authorities to intensify rescue efforts aimed at securing the safe release of abducted victims, expressing concern over what it described as slow progress in ongoing operations.
The NBA reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains the fundamental duty of government, urging swift, coordinated, and decisive action to restore public confidence and prevent further deterioration of security in the state.
