Governor Blames Poor Information Sharing As He Launches Police Violent Crime Response Unit In Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area exposed serious failures in intelligence gathering and information sharing within local communities.
The governor made the statement on Saturday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force’s Violent Crime Response Unit and the commissioning of the unit’s headquarters, barely one day after terrorists attacked schools in Oyo State and abducted several victims.
Makinde expressed concern that suspicious movements and activities linked to the attackers were allegedly not reported early enough to security agencies before the incident occurred.
According to him, preliminary security findings showed that there were warning signs and unusual activities within the affected communities that could have helped authorities respond faster if residents had alerted security operatives on time.
The governor urged residents across the state to stop withholding useful security information, stressing that timely reports from the public remain critical in preventing attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
He explained that security agencies cannot effectively protect communities without cooperation from residents, especially in rural areas where criminal groups often move unnoticed before carrying out attacks.
Makinde noted that the tragic incident in Orire had once again highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between communities and security operatives.
The governor also described the newly launched Violent Crime Response Unit as a strategic move aimed at tackling the growing cases of kidnapping, armed attacks and violent crimes across Oyo State and the South-West region.
According to him, the VCRU is the first specialised unit of its kind in the South-West and represents the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening security operations within the state.
Makinde expressed sympathy to families affected by the deadly school attack, especially those who lost loved ones during the incident.
He stated that the government remained deeply concerned about the emotional pain and trauma currently facing affected families and communities.
The governor warned residents against taking security issues lightly, insisting that safety and stability remain essential for economic growth and social development.
He further disclosed that his administration had continued investing heavily in logistics support, intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, mobility and cooperation among different security agencies.
Speaking after observing operational demonstrations by officers of the newly established unit, Makinde commended the security personnel for their preparedness and professionalism.
He praised the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command for establishing the unit, describing it as an important partnership between federal and state authorities aimed at improving security response across the state.
