The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has again raised concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the state, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to take decisive action against kidnappings, killings and violent attacks.
The opposition party said the worsening security situation in Oyo contrasted sharply with developments in other states across the South-West region, alleging that the Makinde administration had relied more on “showmanship and unhealthy politicking” than practical solutions.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC criticised the governor for allegedly shifting responsibility to the Federal Government instead of addressing security challenges within the state.
The party argued that as the constitutionally recognised Chief Security Officer of the state, Makinde should prioritise the protection of lives and property rather than engage in political blame games.
The APC’s reaction followed the recent abduction of teachers and pupils during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Makinde had on Thursday expressed concern over the incident, describing the situation as a difficult period for both himself and the state.
Speaking during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan, the governor also renewed calls for the creation of state police, urging the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to facilitate the process.
However, the APC dismissed the governor’s comments, insisting that effective security management required concrete actions rather than public statements.
“We have said on several occasions that window dressing and populism cannot help in building and sustaining security architecture,” the statement read.
According to the opposition party, the administration sidelined critical stakeholders involved in security operations shortly after assuming office in 2019, while traditional rulers and other relevant institutions were also excluded from meaningful participation in security management.
The APC further alleged that the state government spent heavily on the procurement of surveillance aircraft without visible results, claiming that criminal activities had continued unabated despite the investment.
The party also criticised the handling of the Oyo Amotekun Corps, alleging poor welfare conditions for personnel and accusing the government of deploying operatives for political interests instead of community protection.
In addition, the APC faulted Makinde’s renewed advocacy for state police, claiming the governor had previously opposed the initiative.
The statement recalled that while governors across the country were invited to submit memoranda on modalities for state police in 2024, Makinde described the proposal as a “waste of time” and did not submit any memorandum.
The APC maintained that the governor should take greater responsibility for security challenges in the state, especially considering the security votes allocated monthly to the state government.
The party called on the governor to intensify efforts towards rescuing all abducted teachers and students and restoring public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
