The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed for deeper collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from Yawota and Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde, who made the appeal barely one month after gunmen abducted the victims from the schools, identified that joint efforts remain a critical weapon to weaken the abductors and rescue the schoolchildren and their teachers from the bandits’ den.
The governor solicited joint efforts between the state community police, Amotekun, and the military on Monday when the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West, Olatoye Fayoade, paid a courtesy visit to the State House in Ibadan, the state capital.
As gathered, the visit followed an Inspector-General directive for senior officers to engage stakeholders nationwide on security matters.
Describing the incident as traumatic, Makinde said the state remains committed to working with federal agencies until all victims regain freedom. He noted the pain of families waiting for one month.
The governor, who urged the DIG to convey Oyo’s appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, requested recommendations on areas where government intervention could further strengthen police operations in the state.
Makinde said the government is ready to provide whatever support is needed to boost police capacity, as he asked for guidance on specific areas requiring intervention to better support officers and men.
The governor commended the Inspector-General’s establishment of the Violent Crimes Unit, saying the initiative has already yielded positive results in Oyo. He pledged continued state support for federal security strategies.
Earlier, DIG Fayoade assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to securing the victims’ release. He stressed that officers involved will not relent until families are reunited.