Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appealed for deeper collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force in ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from Yawota and Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, DIG Olatoye Olagoke Fayoade, who paid him a working visit in his office Ibadan as part of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive for senior police officers to engage stakeholders and assess security challenges across the country.
The visit comes amid heightened efforts by security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, with both the Oyo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force reaffirming their commitment to ending the ordeal and restoring confidence in public safety across the state.
Makinde in his remarks, described the abduction as one of the most traumatic incidents to have confronted the state in recent times, noting that the government remained committed to working closely with federal security agencies until all the victims regained their freedom.
According to him, the painful reality that the abducted children and their teachers had remained in captivity for a month underpinned the need for sustained cooperation among security institutions and governments at all levels.
“Today marks exactly one month since the children and their teachers were abducted. It has been a traumatic and depressing situation for us as a government and for the people of Oyo State. We are here to continue to cooperate with the federal authorities, especially the Nigerian Police Force, to solve this problem,” the governor said.
Makinde acknowledged the enormous security responsibilities confronting the police and other security agencies, stressing that limited resources and the vast territories requiring surveillance posed significant operational challenges.
He noted that Oyo State’s expansive landmass alone presents unique security demands, adding that the state government appreciates the efforts of security personnel despite the difficulties they face.
The governor, however, reiterated the determination of his administration to provide additional support where necessary, urging the visiting DIG to relay the state’s appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and to offer recommendations on areas where government intervention could further strengthen police operations.
He said, “Whatever we can do as a government, we are ready to do. If there are areas where you think we need to do more to better support officers and men of the command, we are prepared to act.”
Makinde particularly commended the Inspector-General’s establishment of the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), describing the initiative as one that had already begun yielding positive results in Oyo State.
The governor cited the recent arrest of suspects linked to the kidnapping of the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her children, attributing the breakthrough to the collaborative efforts of the VCU and the Oyo State Police Command.
According to him, the unit had demonstrated remarkable effectiveness despite being relatively new and deserved enhanced support and resources to expand its operations.
Earlier, DIG Fayoade assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force remained fully committed to securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that no officer involved in the rescue efforts would relent until the victims were safely reunited with their families.
The DIG, who conveyed the Inspector-General’s goodwill message to the governor, expressed sympathy with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident and commended Makinde’s unwavering support for security agencies operating in the state.
He disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to evaluate security challenges, identify strategic concerns affecting policing operations and communicate such findings to the Inspector-General for necessary action.
Fayoade stated that security measures had already been strengthened across Oyo State to prevent further criminal activities capable of undermining the state’s social and economic development.
He also assured residents that the Commissioner of Police and other security personnel had been directed to intensify efforts aimed at safeguarding lives, property and critical infrastructure across the state.
The DIG acknowledged the unique security concerns arising from Oyo State’s extensive borders and strategic location, noting that the police were developing new operational strategies to ensure adequate coverage of vulnerable areas.
He pledged that the force would continue to work diligently to prevent a recurrence of incidents such as the Oriire school abduction and maintain the state’s longstanding reputation as one of the most peaceful in the country.
Fayoade further praised the Makinde administration for its sustained support to the police and other security agencies, describing Oyo State as a historic pace-setter that has consistently played a leading role in Nigeria’s development.
He maintained that security remains the foundation of economic growth and social stability, assuring the governor that the Nigeria Police Force would remain steadfast in its responsibility to protect citizens and preserve public peace.