Trending 
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit of the state Police Command, describing the initiative as a necessary step towards tackling rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime.
The governor launched the unit at the Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, saying the move reflects the state government’s and security agencies’ efforts to strengthen security across the state.
The development comes a day after armed attackers reportedly invaded Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in Orire Local Government Area, killing two persons and abducting several schoolchildren alongside a headteacher identified as Mrs Alamu.
Makinde said preliminary discussions with the Commissioner of Police indicated that the unit is the first of its kind in the South-West. Speaking on the attack, the governor said authorities were working with security agencies to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while extending condolences to affected families.
He stressed that security remains critical to economic growth, investment and social stability, noting that the state government has continued to support security agencies with logistics, surveillance infrastructure and intelligence collaboration.
“We are working with the security agencies to get clarity on what happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted and that the government must remain proactive, vigilant and responsive at all times.
“Economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability could only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and public confidence. Our administration has continued to support security agencies through logistics, mobility support, surveillance infrastructure, intelligence collaboration and improved inter-agency cooperation,”he said.
Makinde described the new unit as an intelligence-driven, rapid-response structure designed to combat violent crime more effectively.
He assured security agencies operating in the state of continued government support in protecting lives and property.
The governor also urged residents and community leaders to provide timely information to security operatives, saying intelligence gaps within communities remain a major challenge.
According to him, early reports on the Ori Ire incident suggest that suspicious movements were not reported promptly to security authorities.
“From what we know so far about yesterday’s incident in Ori Ire 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,” Makinde stated.
Makinde commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Oyo State Police Command for initiating the project, describing it as a strong example of collaboration between federal security agencies and the state government.
Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, said the unit aligns with ongoing police reforms aimed at replacing old tactical squads with a more accountable and intelligence-based policing structure.
He explained that officers deployed to the unit were selected based on competence, discipline and operational experience, and underwent specialised training in intelligence gathering, tactical response, weapons handling and crisis management.
Abimbola added that all personnel passed drug screening and mental health assessments before deployment.
He also announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee comprising representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, market leaders, and civil society groups to monitor the unit’s activities and ensure accountability.
