According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has renewed his call for the establishment of state police following recent abductions of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The incidents reportedly involved coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, where students and staff members were taken by armed assailants.
Makinde made the remarks during a political gathering in Ibadan where delegates and party stakeholders convened for governorship and legislative primaries organised by the Allied Peoples Movement.
He described the situation as a difficult period for both his administration and residents of the state, stressing that security remains a central focus of governance under his leadership.
He also urged the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to establish state police structures rather than relying solely on central policing authority.
The governor explained that the creation of local security initiatives such as Amotekun was a response to the absence of state policing powers, and he argued that state legislatures should be allowed to take responsibility for security frameworks within their jurisdictions.
He added that empowering state assemblies would accelerate the establishment of effective state police systems across the country.
Makinde expressed appreciation to residents for their support of ongoing government policies and reaffirmed commitment to the Omituntun development agenda beyond his tenure.
He also advised political actors to focus on building individual identities and improving governance rather than inheriting political rivalries.