Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has renewed calls for sweeping security reforms in Nigeria, arguing that governors must have direct operational control over security agencies to respond effectively to escalating kidnappings and violent attacks.
Makinde made the remarks on Saturday in Ibadan while accepting a presidential nomination, referencing a deadly school attack on May 15 in Oriire Local Government Area where armed men abducted 25 pupils and seven teachers. One teacher was killed during the raid, while another was reportedly beheaded. The remaining victims are still in captivity despite ongoing rescue efforts.
Security agencies including the police, military, and local security networks such as the Amotekun Corps have continued coordinated search operations supported by drone surveillance, but no breakthrough has yet been reported.
The governor expressed frustration over what he described as the limitations of Nigeria’s centralised security structure, saying state leaders are often held responsible for security failures without having direct command over key security forces.
“If governors are expected to guarantee security in their states, then they must be given the authority and control to act decisively,” Makinde said, according to officials familiar with his remarks. “We cannot continue to respond to emergencies with delayed command structures.”
His comments add momentum to the long-running national debate over the creation of state police in Nigeria. Supporters argue it would allow faster, locally informed responses to insecurity, while critics warn it could be abused by political leaders or deepen regional tensions.
The May 15 attack has intensified public concern across Oyo State and beyond, with parents and residents calling for stronger protection of schools, especially in rural communities that remain vulnerable to armed groups.
Security analysts note that kidnapping for ransom has become one of the most persistent threats in parts of southern and northern Nigeria, often targeting schools, highways, and farming communities. Despite multiple rescue operations nationwide, many abducted victims remain missing for weeks or months, raising concerns about intelligence gaps and operational coordination.
Makinde also used the platform to signal that security reform would be a priority if he pursues higher office in 2027, framing decentralisation of policing as a key step toward improving safety across the country.
As rescue efforts continue in Oriire, pressure is mounting on both state and federal authorities to deliver results, with residents hoping for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. The incident has once again placed Nigeria’s security architecture under national scrutiny, with renewed calls for structural reform growing louder.