The Oyo State House of Assembly has declared that it will not support or encourage any form of negotiation with kidnappers, insisting that such a practice undermines ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the state.

The lawmakers made the position known during plenary on Thursday in Ibadan, where they deliberated on rising cases of kidnapping and other security challenges in parts of the state.

They stressed that negotiating with criminal elements only emboldens perpetrators and weakens the resolve of security agencies working to restore peace and safety.

The House urged security operatives to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state, while also calling for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.

Lawmakers further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reaffirming their commitment to supporting policies and measures that will enhance security across Oyo State.