Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Government to ensuring the safe return of abducted children and teachers, while also highlighting the efforts of the state’s security architecture amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria.
The governor made the remarks during the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) primary elections held earlier in Oyo State in compliance with the timetable and deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The APM conducted primaries for elective positions across all levels, including the governorship and presidential categories. Governor Makinde congratulated all aspirants who emerged victorious during the exercise, particularly the party’s governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi.
According to the governor, the successful conduct of the primaries demonstrated the party’s readiness to participate fully in the democratic process while adhering strictly to electoral regulations established by INEC.
Speaking during the event, Makinde addressed the painful issue of insecurity and the emotional burden currently facing many families in Oyo State following recent abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers.
He assured parents and relatives of the victims that every effort was being intensified to secure their safe return, stressing that the situation remains deeply personal to him as governor and as a father.
“This is a very difficult period, not only for the affected families but also for the entire state,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring that the abducted children and teachers return safely to their loved ones.”
The governor further reiterated that security remains one of the major pillars of his administration, noting that his government has consistently invested in initiatives designed to strengthen local intelligence gathering and improve community-based security operations.
Makinde recalled that governors in the South West geopolitical zone jointly established the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as a regional response to the increasing security challenges confronting the region.
The security outfit was created following widespread concerns over kidnapping, armed attacks, and rural insecurity, especially in communities where residents believed conventional policing structures were overstretched.
He explained that Houses of Assembly across South West states passed laws legalizing the operation of Amotekun, with Lagos State being the only exception at the time.
Despite limitations placed on the outfit, particularly regarding access to sophisticated weapons due to restrictions from the Federal Government, Makinde praised the dedication of Amotekun operatives who continue to work alongside conventional security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
According to him, Amotekun has become a critical support structure for federal security agencies by providing grassroots intelligence and rapid local response in vulnerable communities.
Security experts have repeatedly argued that regional outfits like Amotekun help bridge the gap between local communities and national security institutions, especially in areas where local knowledge and trust are crucial in combating criminal activities.
The governor also expressed appreciation to all security agencies operating in Oyo State, including the police, military, civil defense corps, and Amotekun personnel, for their continued sacrifices and dedication toward maintaining peace and stability.
“We are grateful to the Oyo State Amotekun Corps and all security agencies that continue to put in the work to secure our dear state,” Makinde stated.
The governor’s remarks come at a time when insecurity remains a major national conversation across Nigeria, with increasing calls for state policing, improved intelligence coordination, and stronger community security systems.
Observers believe the continued collaboration between state governments and local security outfits could play a significant role in addressing emerging threats while complementing federal security operations.
As political activities intensify ahead of future elections, stakeholders have continued to emphasize that security, governance, and public trust will remain central issues shaping political discourse across Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
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