Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that his administration remains committed to deepening cooperation and collaborative efforts with federal authorities and security agencies towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents of the state.

Makinde, who stated this while receiving the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, at his office, said his administration has done much in supporting security agencies, adding that it is ready to do more towards combating the insecurity challenges in the state.

He also used the occasion to express gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, for the support provided since students and teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government, including the deployment of a helicopter and personnel.
This was as he lauded the recently launched Violent Crimes Unit, an initiative of the IGP, which he noted, has already proved effective in Oyo State, citing how the unit recently rescued the sister and nephews of a former Minister of Power.

He, however, urged the DIG to convey Oyo State’s concerns to the IGP over the insecurity challenge, especially banditry, as according to him, schools have been closed while residents in communities close to the Old Oyo National Park cannot go to farms freely.

Governor Makinde said, “I would like to use this opportunity to tell you to please convey to the Inspector-General of Police, our deep appreciation of his support. When the kidnapping in Oriire Local Government happened, the police deployed a helicopter and other resources here.

“Please, let the IG know we are deeply grateful for the support that we have received so far. Well, we are still in the middle of trying to get our children and their teachers back. It is a very traumatic situation for us. Today marks exactly one month since the children and their teachers were abducted. We will continue to cooperate with the federal authorities, especially the Nigeria Police, to solve this problem.

“I do know that it’s a difficult period also for the police because the resources are limited. We are in government, so we know that resources are limited and the areas that have to be covered are vast. Oyo State is bigger than at least 10 other African countries. We do understand, but for our people, they just want an end to banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and all of that.

“So please, convey our apprehension also to the IG. Whatever we can do, we are ready to do. I’ll be interested in your feedback, since you’re going to speak to the officers and men of the command of the State Police Command. If there are things that you think we need to do more as a state government to better support them, please, we’re ready to do more.”

Speaking earlier, DIG Fayoade, commended the Oyo State Government for its logistical and financial support to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

He expressed regret over the unfortunate kidnap incident in the state, noting that his team has been mandated to ensure the safe return of those affected, and provide round-the-clock security for citizens across the South-West.