Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the Friday school abduction incident in Orire Local Government Area of the state exposed a major gap in intelligence gathering and information-sharing, warning residents against withholding critical security information from law enforcement agencies.
The governor made the statement on Saturday during the inauguration of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force and the commissioning of its headquarters in Ibadan.
Makinde said preliminary findings surrounding the Orire incident revealed that suspicious movements and activities were not reported quickly to security agencies, thereby undermining efforts to prevent the tragedy.
“From what we know so far about yesterday’s incident in Orire Local Government, there is still a big gap in giving timely information to security agencies. When you see strange movements or suspicious behaviour, please report it,” the governor said.
He stressed that the incident underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies, noting that the government alone could not guarantee security without the active cooperation of the public.
The governor described the launch of the specialised tactical unit as a timely and strategic response to rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes across the country, particularly in the wake of recent security challenges in Oyo State.
According to Makinde, the Violent Crime Response Unit is the first of its kind in the South-West region and represents a renewed commitment by the state government and security agencies to strengthen Oyo’s security architecture.
He said the abduction incident had deeply troubled families and communities across the state, noting, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.“
Makinde maintained that security must never be taken for granted, warning that economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability could only thrive in an environment where lives and property are adequately protected.
The governor said his administration had continued to invest heavily in security through logistics support, surveillance infrastructure, mobility support, intelligence-sharing and improved inter-agency collaboration.
He described the VCRU as a more intelligent, professional and rapid-response approach to combating violent crimes, while commending the emphasis placed on tactical preparedness, professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights.
“I watched the demonstration by the unit and I want to say that you are truly prepared,” Makinde added.
The governor also assured the police and other security agencies operating in the state of continued government support in protecting lives and property.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command for establishing the unit, describing it as a successful partnership between the Federal Government and sub-national authorities, adding, “The initiative is federal, but the impact is local,” he said.
Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the establishment of the VCRU aligns with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at replacing former tactical teams with more accountable, intelligence-driven and professionally trained units.
Olugbenga explained that the VCRU was created to respond swiftly and effectively to violent crimes and emerging security threats while operating with strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.
He disclosed that officers selected into the unit were drawn from different formations across Oyo State based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience.
According to him, the operatives underwent specialised training in intelligence gathering, tactical operations, weapon handling, crisis response and human rights protection.
The commissioner further revealed that members of the unit underwent drug screening and mental health evaluations to ensure operational fitness and professionalism.
Olugbenga also announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee comprising representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, market associations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to monitor the activities of the unit and ensure accountability.
He said the newly commissioned VCRU office complex symbolised a new phase of tactical policing founded on discipline, transparency, operational excellence and community partnership.
The police commissioner charged officers of the unit to remain professional and avoid abuse of power or unprofessional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
“As we move forward, the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led policing, community partnership, rapid response capability and proactive crime prevention strategies aimed at ensuring that Oyo State remains safe and secure for all residents and investors,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit, CSP Olorunleke Babatunde, described the unit as a proactive and intelligence-driven squad established to strengthen internal security and improve professional policing across the state.
He stated that the primary mandate of the unit is to respond swiftly to incidents of violent and organised crimes across Oyo State while supporting divisions and area commands in tackling high-risk criminal activities.
“Officers are not expected to act randomly; intelligence must first be gathered and the appropriate authorities duly informed before any operation is carried out,” Babatunde said.
He assured residents that operatives of the unit had been adequately briefed to ensure their conduct reflects professionalism, civility and accountability in line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, commended Governor Makinde’s security policies, which he said had sustained peace and stability in the state.
He also assured the Commissioner of Police and the state government of the cooperation and support of residents in efforts to maintain security across Oyo State.
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