Makinde blames intelligence failure for Oyo school abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has attributed the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area to lapses in intelligence gathering and weak information-sharing between communities and security agencies.

Makinde made the remarks in Ibadan during the inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force and the commissioning of its headquarters, where he called for stronger collaboration between residents and security operatives.

According to him, preliminary findings suggested that early warning signs were not reported in time to prevent the attack. “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,” he said. “When you see strange movements or suspicious behaviour, please report it.”

The governor stressed that security challenges could not be addressed by government alone, noting that citizens have a critical role to play in intelligence sharing and community vigilance.

He also expressed sympathy with families affected by the attack, while commending the newly inaugurated police unit as part of efforts to strengthen rapid response to violent crimes across the state.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said security agencies had intensified search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of abducted victims.

He confirmed the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets, and assured residents that those responsible for the attack would be apprehended and brought to justice.

The IGP, who visited Oyo State following the incident, described the attack as “cruel and unacceptable,” and reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protect schools and communities nationwide.

The abduction has heightened security concerns across Oyo State and neighbouring areas, with authorities stepping up patrols in surrounding forests and border communities.

Source: The Nation