Makinde Renews Push for State Police After Oyo School Abductions

Governor Seyi Makinde has renewed calls for the creation of state police following the abduction of teachers and students from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The governor described the incident as a painful and difficult moment for both himself and the state, stressing that security remains one of the top priorities of his administration.

Makinde made the remarks on Thursday during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries organised by the Allied Peoples Movement at the Watershed Celebration Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

The abductions reportedly occurred during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area penultimate Friday.

Speaking at the event, Makinde said, “This is a very tough period for me as a person and also for our state. But people know that security has always been one of the major pillars of this administration since we introduced Omituntun 1.0, and it remains a major focus.”

The governor noted that before his administration, there was no regional security outfit like Amotekun in the state, explaining that it was created as an alternative due to the absence of state policing.

“We wanted state police, but because we did not get it, we created Amotekun as an alternative arrangement,” he said.

Makinde also urged the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to establish state police structures instead of placing the responsibility solely on the Inspector-General of Police.

“They should stop wasting Nigerians’ time. If they truly want state police, they should not ask the Inspector-General of Police to create it for us. Our state Assemblies should be given the authority and support to establish state police,” he added.

The governor further assured residents that the “Omituntun” agenda would continue beyond his tenure, promising improved governance and development in future phases of the programme.

“You have seen Omituntun 1.0 and Omituntun 2.0. Omituntun 3.0 will even be sweeter and better for the people,” Makinde stated.

He also advised the Allied Peoples Movement governorship consensus candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to build his own political path rather than inherit his political battles.

In his acceptance speech, Adekanmbi praised Makinde’s administration for what he described as accelerated and sustainable development across sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and workers’ welfare.

“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is history speaking. Today is destiny unfolding,” Adekanmbi said, while promising to continue policies aimed at grassroots development, youth empowerment and improved security across the state.