Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepen collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies in addressing the worsening security situation in the state, including banditry, kidnappings and threats to rural livelihoods.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
Makinde said his government had continued to provide logistical and operational support to security agencies, stressing that more would be done to strengthen ongoing operations aimed at restoring safety across affected communities.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for its intervention following recent abductions in Oriire Local Government Area, including the deployment of aerial surveillance and tactical personnel to the state.
The governor also praised the establishment of the Violent Crimes Unit by the police leadership, noting that the initiative had already recorded operational successes in Oyo, including the rescue of relatives of a former Minister of Power.
Makinde, however, expressed concern over the persistent insecurity in parts of the state, warning that school closures and restricted access to farmlands around the Old Oyo National Park were becoming alarming.
He urged the police hierarchy to intensify efforts toward securing the release of abducted students and teachers, noting that their continued captivity had lasted about one month and remained deeply distressing to the state government and residents.
“We are grateful for the support so far, especially the swift response during the Oriire kidnapping incident,” Makinde said. “We remain in the middle of efforts to bring our children and teachers back safely.”
He added that although security agencies were facing resource constraints, citizens were increasingly demanding urgent and decisive action against criminal activities across the state.
Makinde assured that his administration would continue to work closely with the police and other security outfits, while also strengthening state-level support where necessary.
Earlier, DIG Fayoade commended the state government for its consistent logistical and financial assistance to security operations, describing it as a key factor in sustaining ongoing interventions.
He said the police leadership had directed intensified efforts to ensure the safe rescue of abducted victims and improve round-the-clock security across the South-West region.
Fayoade also conveyed sympathy over the recent kidnapping incidents, assuring that coordinated operations were underway to tackle criminal networks operating within the region.
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