Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his government is working with security agencies to unravel Friday’s abduction of students at Ahoro-Esinele Community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde said this on Saturday at the inauguration of the Oyo State Police Command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), held at the command’s headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
He said that his administration was also working on how to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
The governor, while sympathising with the relatives of those who lost their lives during the incident, said what happened was another reminder that the government must be proactive about security.
He urged the state community leaders and residents to be vigilant and watchful of their environment, and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He further assured the public of the government’s commitment to combating crimes and working effectively with security agencies to secure the state.
Makinde promised that the state government would continue to provide the required support to strengthen the collective capacity of security agencies in the state to protect lives and property.
The governor described the VCRU initiative as the first of its kind in the South-West region.
According to him, the initiative reflects the collective determination of the state government and security agencies to respond promptly and effectively to crime.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and all the security agencies for their efforts in keeping the state safe.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would succeed in its mandate to combat violent crimes, while ensuring lasting peace, safety and stability in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
In his welcome address, the state Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, described the VCRU launch as a major policing reform initiative.
The CP said the initiative aimed to strengthen public trust, enhance professionalism, and improve tactical operations in line with the IG’s vision.
He said the VCRU was created to replace former tactical teams as a more accountable, intelligence-driven, professionally trained, and human-rights-compliant unit.
The new unit, he said, would be capable of responding swiftly to violent crimes and emerging security threats.
He explained that officers were carefully selected from various divisions and formations across the state, based on their discipline, operational experiences, competence and integrity.
The police boss commended the governor for supporting security advancement and committing his administration to peace.
He said that the institutional support from the government will continue to motivate security agencies in the state.
