…demands urgent rescue of abducted school children

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has blamed the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for what it described as a surge in kidnappings, violent attacks, and other security breaches across the state, calling for immediate action to secure the release of abducted school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The opposition party said the worsening security situation in Oyo State contrasted sharply with earlier years in the South-West region, alleging that the state government had prioritised “political showmanship and lip service” over effective security management.

In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC expressed concern over recent incidents of abductions, including the kidnapping of students and teachers in two communities in Oriire LGA, as well as the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area.

The party accused Governor Makinde, who is constitutionally regarded as the Chief Security Officer of the state, of failing to take decisive steps to curb insecurity, alleging that his administration had shifted blame to the Federal Government while neglecting its responsibilities.

“We have said on several occasions that window dressing and populism cannot help in building and sustaining a security architecture,” the statement read. “The current administration started on a bad note in 2019 with the disengagement of some critical stakeholders from joint security activities in the state.”

The APC further alleged that traditional rulers and other key stakeholders had been sidelined in security coordination, while significant resources were allegedly spent on vehicles and surveillance equipment without corresponding results.

It claimed that despite reports of the procurement of surveillance aircraft, there had been little evidence of their deployment in tackling insecurity in the state.

The party also criticised the administration’s handling of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, alleging poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, and improper deployment of personnel.

According to the APC, the corps had been “poorly treated and poorly equipped,” limiting its effectiveness in addressing rising security challenges.

The statement also referenced past allegations surrounding the activities of a political group allegedly linked to Mukaila Auxiliary, accusing the administration of previously empowering armed elements for political purposes, a claim the party said had contributed to current security concerns.

Reacting to Governor Makinde’s recent remarks advocating the establishment of state police, the APC accused him of inconsistency, alleging that the governor had previously described the proposal as a “waste of time.”

It recalled that during a Channels Television interview, Makinde was quoted as opposing the idea of state police at the time of earlier national discussions, before later supporting it.

The party also questioned the management of security funding, including security votes, insisting that the resources had not translated into improved safety for residents.

“Gov. Makinde should sit up and rescue all abductees immediately,” the statement added.

The APC urged the state government to take urgent and coordinated action to secure the release of the abducted students, teachers, and other victims currently in captivity, while calling for a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture.