Political Tension Rises As Oyo APC Levels Security Allegations Against Makinde

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over the growing cases of kidnapping, killings, hoodlum attacks, and other violent crimes across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC blamed the worsening insecurity on what it described as the governor’s “lip service, unhealthy politicking, and showmanship.”

The opposition party expressed concern that Oyo State continues to experience violent incidents unlike many other South-West states, stressing that the safety and freedom of residents should not be turned into a political blame game.

The APC accused Governor Makinde, who serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer, of failing to take decisive action and instead shifting responsibility to the Federal Government.

The criticism followed the reported abduction of several teachers and pupils during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, has sparked anxiety among residents, parents, and political stakeholders in the state.

Makinde had earlier described the abductions as painful and disturbing, saying, “This is a very difficult period for me personally and for the state.”

Speaking during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries organised by the Allied Peoples Movement in Ibadan, the governor also renewed calls for state police, urging the Federal Government to empower state assemblies to establish such structures instead of leaving the process solely to the Inspector-General of Police.

Reacting to the governor’s remarks, the APC argued that populism and public relations tactics cannot replace effective security planning.

The party alleged that the Makinde administration weakened security efforts from the outset in 2019 by sidelining critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers and grassroots institutions.

It also accused the government of prioritising expensive purchases for security agencies over practical security measures.

According to the APC, the state government allegedly spent nearly ₦8 billion on surveillance aircraft procurement, yet nothing tangible has emerged from the project since July 2025 despite continued attacks by criminal elements.

The opposition party further accused the administration of previously empowering political thugs, claiming the decision contributed to the current insecurity situation in the state.

The APC also faulted the treatment of operatives within the South-West Security Network, Amotekun, alleging that members of the Oyo Amotekun Corps receive poor salaries, inadequate welfare packages, and lack insurance or retirement benefits.

It claimed many operatives are deployed for political interests rather than community security, weakening the outfit’s effectiveness in tackling crime.

The party additionally criticised Makinde’s renewed advocacy for state police, arguing that the governor had previously dismissed the proposal when the Federal Government requested memoranda from governors on the issue in 2024.

According to the APC, Makinde was among governors who failed to support the initiative at the time and had reportedly described the state police debate as “a waste of time” during a Channels Television interview.

The party accused the governor of now attempting to shift blame to the Presidency despite receiving billions of naira in security votes monthly.

The APC urged the governor to take immediate action to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils while restoring public confidence in the state’s security architecture.

It added that protecting residents must take priority over politics and called on the government to demonstrate greater seriousness in addressing kidnapping and violent crimes across Oyo State.