Oyo disappointed with life sentence for Oriire school abduction convicts

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has expressed disappointment over the life imprisonment imposed on three persons convicted in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the punishment did not reflect the gravity of the offence.

The government, however, said it would not challenge the judgment, adding that it respects the decision of the Federal High Court despite believing a stiffer penalty was deserved.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated the government’s position while speaking with journalists in Ibadan after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced the three convicts to life imprisonment for concealing information about the masterminds of the abduction.

Oyelade described the judgment as “cold comfort,” arguing that capital punishment would have been more appropriate considering the trauma suffered by the victims, their families and the state.

He maintained that those who concealed information about the kidnappers should bear the same level of responsibility as those who carried out the crime.

The commissioner nevertheless commended the Federal High Court for the speedy trial, saying the case demonstrated that criminal matters could be concluded without unnecessary delays.

He also called for stronger anti-terrorism and criminal laws prescribing tougher penalties for kidnapping and other security-related offences, noting that the state government worked closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and prosecutors throughout the investigation and prosecution.

Oyelade added that security around schools had been strengthened through the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and other security agencies, while intelligence gathering and rapid response had also been improved, insisting that support for the rescued victims and their families has continued since the incident.