The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to effectively tackle the growing wave of insecurity in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, killings, attacks by hoodlums and other violent crimes in Oyo State, noting that the situation had become worse compared to other South-West states.
The opposition party alleged that the state government had focused more on politics and public relations than building a strong security structure capable of protecting lives and property.
According to the APC, Governor Makinde, who is regarded constitutionally as the Chief Security Officer of the state, has continued to shift responsibility to the Federal Government instead of addressing the challenges directly.
The criticism follows the recent abduction of teachers and students during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Makinde had earlier expressed concern over the incident, describing the development as a difficult moment for both himself and the state. He also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to empower state assemblies to support its creation.
Reacting, the APC argued that the current administration failed to involve critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, in security operations since assuming office in 2019.
The party further questioned the effectiveness of the surveillance aircraft reportedly purchased by the state government for about N8 billion, claiming residents were yet to see meaningful results despite rising criminal activities.
The APC also accused the government of poorly treating operatives of the Oyo Amotekun Corps through inadequate welfare, poor salaries and lack of insurance and retirement benefits.
In addition, the party alleged that Governor Makinde previously opposed the establishment of state police. It recalled that while governors were asked by the Federal Government in 2024 to submit memoranda on state policing, Makinde reportedly described the proposal as a waste of time and failed to submit any memorandum.
The APC therefore urged the governor to take urgent steps to improve security across the state and ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
