Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the Friday school abduction in Orire Local Government Area exposed a serious lapse in intelligence gathering and information-sharing, cautioning residents against withholding vital security information from law enforcement agencies.
The governor made the remark on Saturday during the inauguration of the newly created Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force and the commissioning of its headquarters in Ibadan.
Makinde said initial findings from the Orire incident showed that suspicious movements and activities were not reported promptly to security agencies, weakening efforts to avert 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 noted that the incident highlighted the urgent need for closer cooperation between residents and security agencies, stressing that government alone could not ensure security without public support.
The governor described the launch of the specialised tactical unit as a timely and strategic response to increasing cases of kidnapping and violent crimes nationwide, especially following recent security concerns in Oyo State.
According to Makinde, the Violent Crime Response Unit is the first of its kind in the South-West and reflects a renewed commitment by the state government and security agencies to reinforce Oyo’s security framework.
He said the abduction had deeply affected families and communities across the state, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.“
Makinde insisted that security should never be taken lightly, warning that economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability can only flourish where lives and property are properly safeguarded.
The governor said his administration had continued to invest significantly in security through logistics support, surveillance infrastructure, mobility support, intelligence-sharing and stronger inter-agency cooperation.
He described the VCRU as a smarter, more professional and rapid-response strategy for tackling violent crimes, while praising the unit’s focus on tactical readiness, 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 in the state of continued government backing 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 productive collaboration 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 creation of the VCRU aligns with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at replacing former tactical squads with more accountable, intelligence-led and professionally trained units.
Olugbenga explained that the VCRU was set up to respond quickly 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 for the unit were drawn from various 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 also revealed that members of the unit underwent drug screening and mental health assessments to ensure operational fitness and professionalism.
Olugbenga further 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 built on discipline, transparency, operational excellence and community partnership.
The police commissioner urged officers of the unit to remain professional and avoid abuse of power or unprofessional conduct while carrying out 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 said the unit’s primary responsibility is to respond swiftly to incidents of violent and organised crimes across Oyo State while supporting divisions and area commands in addressing 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 properly 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, Rashidi Ladoja, the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Nurudeen Akinade, praised Governor Makinde’s security policies, which he said had maintained peace and stability in the state.
He also assured the Commissioner of Police and the state government of residents’ cooperation and support in efforts to sustain security across Oyo State.
