Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said Friday school abduction in Orire Local Government Area exposed a critical failure in intelligence gathering and information-sharing, warning residents against withholding vital security information from authorities.
Makinde spoke on Saturday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force and the commissioning of its headquarters, coming a day after the abduction incident.
“From what we know so far about yesterday’s incident in Orire Local Government, there is still a big gap in giving timely information to security agencies. When you see strange movements or suspicious behaviour, please report it,” the governor said.
He said preliminary findings indicated that suspicious activities were not promptly reported, undermining efforts to prevent the incident.
The governor stressed that improved collaboration between residents and security agencies was essential, noting that government alone could not guarantee safety without public cooperation.
He described the launch of the specialised unit as a strategic response to rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes, particularly in light of recent security challenges in the state.
According to Makinde, the VCRU is the first of its kind in the South-West and reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
He said the abduction had deeply affected families and communities, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.“
Makinde warned that security must not be taken for granted, linking it to economic growth and social stability, and said his administration had continued to invest in logistics, surveillance infrastructure, mobility, intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration.
Describing the unit as a more professional and rapid-response approach to tackling violent crime, he commended its preparedness after observing a demonstration.
“I watched the demonstration by the unit and I want to say that you are truly prepared,” he added.
The governor also assured continued support for security agencies and commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command for establishing the unit, describing it as a partnership between federal and state authorities.
“The initiative is federal, but the impact is local,” he said.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.