Oyo kidnap: Federal control of security has left me incapacitated – Makinde

By Adeola Badru

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the constitutional structure which placed security agencies under federal control has left him unable to effectively tackle the wave of kidnappings and abductions in the state, despite being designated as the state’s Chief Security Officer.

Speaking on Saturday in Ibadan while accepting the presidential nomination of the African People’s Movement (APM), Makinde lamented the continued captivity of innocent schoolchildren and other citizens abducted by criminal elements in Oyo State, describing the situation as a painful reminder of the limitations faced by state governors in addressing security challenges.

“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State,” he said. “As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the burden of being called the Chief Security Officer of the state, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies required to fully address these threats.”

The governor argued that no elected leader should be held accountable for security outcomes without possessing the authority necessary to act decisively.

“No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” Makinde stated, adding that the current security arrangement requires urgent constitutional reforms.

He pledged that if elected President of Nigeria, he would prioritise the restructuring of the nation’s security architecture to give states greater capacity to respond to security threats within their jurisdictions.

“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis,” he said.

Makinde further stressed that decentralisation would be central to his security agenda, noting that the protection of lives and property must transcend political rhetoric.

“The decentralisation necessary for more effective security management will be prioritised. The safety and security of Nigerians will never be treated as a political slogan. Under my leadership, it will be a sacred national responsibility,” he declared.

The governor, however, said the occasion of his presidential nomination was overshadowed by the worsening socio-economic conditions confronting many Nigerians, insisting that the country required a fundamental change in direction.

“Ordinarily, this would be a moment purely for celebration. It marks the first step in seeking a mandate that can help actualise the Nigerian dream. However, recent security challenges here in Oyo State and across our nation have transformed this occasion into a moment of deep reflection,” he said.

According to him, millions of Nigerians are grappling with hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, unemployment and uncertainty about the future, while many citizens have become increasingly disillusioned with governance.

“Nigeria is hurting. Millions of our people are burdened by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future,” Makinde said.

He noted that citizens across the country are demanding answers from their leaders and questioning when governance will begin to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary people.

“Across the country, Nigerians are asking the same question: When will leadership truly begin to work for the ordinary citizen? They are asking: When will the Nigerian dream become a reality?” he said.

Responding to those concerns, the governor maintained that the nation could no longer afford to continue with policies and approaches that have failed to deliver progress.My answer is simple: Nigeria must reset,” he declared.

“We cannot continue recycling the same approaches while expecting different outcomes. A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability and compassion,“ he said.

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