The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to effectively tackle the worsening security situation in the state, following a series of kidnappings and violent attacks.
The opposition party called for immediate intervention to secure the release of abducted students and teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the rising wave of insecurity as alarming.
In a statement released on Friday in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said recent incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and two workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole Local Government Area, reflected a breakdown in the state’s security structure.
The party alleged that the Makinde administration had focused more on political image-making than practical security measures, insisting that residents were no longer safe.
According to the APC, the state government failed to properly coordinate key security stakeholders and weakened existing joint security efforts after assuming office in 2019.
The opposition party also criticised the handling of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, claiming operatives were poorly motivated, inadequately equipped, and not effectively deployed to combat criminal activities.
The APC further questioned the utilisation of security funds and surveillance equipment reportedly acquired by the state government, arguing that there had been little visible impact despite huge investments.
The party also revisited Governor Makinde’s recent support for state police, accusing him of contradicting his earlier position when he reportedly opposed the proposal during previous national discussions.
Calling for urgent action, the APC urged the governor to intensify efforts toward rescuing all kidnapped victims and overhauling the state’s security architecture to address growing concerns across Oyo State.
