Oyo school attack exposed intelligence gap — Makinde

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area exposed serious gaps in intelligence gathering and the timely sharing of security information.

Makinde stated this on Saturday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force and the commissioning of its headquarters, barely a day after the abduction incident.

The governor said preliminary findings indicated that suspicious movements and unusual activities were not promptly reported to security agencies, thereby limiting efforts to prevent the attack.

According to him, effective security requires cooperation between residents and security agencies, stressing that government alone cannot guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Makinde described the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit as a timely intervention against rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes, noting that the unit represents a new intelligence-led policing strategy in the South-West.

He added that the abduction had caused distress among affected families and communities, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.

The governor also highlighted ongoing investments in security infrastructure, including logistics support, surveillance systems and inter-agency collaboration, expressing confidence in the readiness and professionalism of the new tactical unit.

Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the unit was established as part of broader police reforms, adding that officers underwent specialised training in intelligence gathering, tactical response and human rights protection, while an independent oversight committee had also been inaugurated to ensure accountability.