The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has again raised concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, hoodlum attacks, and other violent crimes in the state, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to effectively tackle insecurity.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan, the opposition party alleged that the worsening security situation in Oyo State contrasts sharply with developments in other South-West states.
The APC accused Governor Makinde of relying on “lip service, unhealthy politicking and showmanship” instead of implementing practical and sustainable security measures across the state.
The party stated that as the constitutionally recognised Chief Security Officer of the state, Makinde should take greater responsibility for the safety of lives and property rather than shifting blame to the Federal Government.
The criticism follows the recent abduction of teachers and students during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Reacting to the incident earlier on Thursday, Governor Makinde had expressed sadness over the abductions, describing the development as a difficult moment for both himself and the state.
The governor also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to facilitate the creation of state policing structures.
However, the APC faulted the governor’s position, claiming he had previously opposed the idea of state police when discussions on the issue first emerged in 2024.
According to the party, Makinde was among governors who failed to submit memoranda on proposed modalities for state police and allegedly described the initiative as “a waste of time” during a television interview.
The APC further accused the state government of sidelining traditional rulers and critical stakeholders from security operations while focusing on “window dressing and populism.”
The party also questioned the effectiveness of security investments made by the administration, including the reported procurement of surveillance aircraft worth billions of naira, alleging that residents have yet to see meaningful results despite persistent attacks by criminal elements.
In addition, the APC claimed that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, were poorly treated in terms of welfare, salaries, insurance, and deployment.
The opposition party urged Governor Makinde to prioritise the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and intensify efforts to restore security across the state.
“We have said on several occasions that window dressing and populism cannot help in building and sustaining a strong security architecture,” the statement added.
The development has continued to generate political reactions and concerns among residents over the worsening security situation in parts of Oyo State.