Oyo governor renews state police push after school abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has renewed his call for the establishment of state police following the recent abduction of teachers and students from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking on Thursday during a political event in Ibadan, Makinde described the incident as a difficult moment for him and the state. He urged the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to facilitate the creation of state police structures, rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the Inspector-General of Police.

The governor noted that his administration had previously created the Amotekun security network as an alternative arrangement when state police was not approved. He said if the federal government truly wants state police, it should allow state assemblies to take the lead.

Makinde also commended residents for their support and assured them that his administration’s development agenda would continue beyond his tenure.

Meanwhile, the Allied Peoples Party held its governorship, senatorial and house of assembly primaries at the event. The party’s consensus governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, praised Makinde’s leadership and promised to build on the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and security.