Amanze Chinonye
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has blamed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, alleging that the incident resulted from the state government’s failure to take proactive security measures, Prime Business Africa reports.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Sunday night, Fayose said state governors bear the primary responsibility for coordinating security efforts within their jurisdictions and cannot shift blame when security breaches occur.
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According to him, governors have the authority to mobilise security agencies, strengthen intelligence gathering and implement preventive measures to curb criminal activities before they escalate.
“I stand by my position that Governor Makinde was not proactive enough. The kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo reflects a security lapse that should have been addressed before it escalated,” Fayose said.
He argued that although the Federal Government supports security operations nationwide, state governments remain critical to crime prevention through effective coordination with the police and other security agencies.
Fayose further said state administrations should continually assess emerging security threats, strengthen local intelligence networks and deploy resources to vulnerable communities to prevent attacks.
Commenting on the country’s broader security situation, the former governor alleged that kidnapping has become a lucrative criminal enterprise in some parts of Nigeria, claiming that investigations into certain cases had revealed the involvement of individuals seeking financial gain from abduction activities.
He said his criticism of the Oyo State Government was informed by developments in Ogbomoso and other communities affected by kidnapping, insisting that the authorities should have acted more decisively to stem the worsening insecurity.
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Drawing from his experience as governor of Ekiti State, Fayose recalled introducing strict measures against open grazing, including restrictions on the movement of cattle at night, which he said formed part of efforts to safeguard lives, property and economic activities.
“Every governor has a duty to introduce policies that secure lives and property. Leadership requires taking preventive action rather than reacting after incidents have occurred,” he said.
Fayose also defended his previous comments on the installation of traditional rulers in Oyo State, maintaining that public office holders and former officials must be willing to accept criticism, as accountability remains a fundamental principle of democratic governance.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
