Governor Seyi Makinde has blamed poor intelligence gathering and delayed information-sharing for the recent school abduction incident in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning residents against withholding vital security information from law enforcement agencies.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday during the inauguration of the newly created Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force and the commissioning of its headquarters in Ibadan.
Speaking on the tragic incident in Orire, Makinde said preliminary findings showed that suspicious activities and unusual movements were not reported early enough to security agencies, limiting their ability to prevent the attack.
According to the governor, residents must work more closely with security operatives by providing timely and accurate information whenever they notice anything suspicious within their communities.
Makinde described the launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit as a strategic move aimed at tackling the growing cases of kidnapping and violent crimes across the country, especially in Oyo State. He noted that the tactical squad is the first of its kind in the South-West region and reflects the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening the state’s security system.
The governor added that the recent abduction had caused pain and anxiety across the state, extending his condolences to families affected by the tragedy while praying for the repose of those who lost their lives.
He stressed that security remains essential for economic development, investment, tourism and social stability, noting that no society can progress in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Makinde also highlighted his administration’s continued investments in security through logistics support, surveillance technology, mobility assistance, intelligence-sharing and improved collaboration among security agencies.
Commending the professionalism of the new tactical squad, the governor praised the unit’s emphasis on accountability, rapid response, tactical readiness and respect for human rights.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, explained that the VCRU was established in line with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to replace former tactical units with more accountable and intelligence-driven teams.
Olugbenga disclosed that officers selected into the unit were carefully chosen based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience. He added that the operatives underwent specialised training in intelligence gathering, tactical operations, weapon handling, crisis management and human rights protection.
The police commissioner further revealed that all officers underwent drug screening and mental health evaluations to ensure professionalism and operational fitness.
He also announced the establishment of an independent oversight committee made up of representatives from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, market associations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to monitor the activities of the unit and ensure accountability.
In his remarks, CSP Olorunleke Babatunde described the VCRU as a proactive and intelligence-led squad designed to respond swiftly to violent and organised crimes across Oyo State.
He assured residents that officers had been instructed to operate professionally, responsibly and within the law, adding that no operation would be carried out without proper intelligence gathering and authorisation from the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland also commended Governor Makinde’s security efforts, pledging the continued cooperation of residents in maintaining peace and stability across Oyo State.