DIASPORA GROUP COMMENDS MAKINDE’S RESPONSE TO OYO SCHOOL ABDUCTION, BACKS SECURITY REFORMS

DIASPORA GROUP COMMENDS MAKINDE’S RESPONSE TO OYO SCHOOL ABDUCTION, BACKS SECURITY REFORMS

The Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora has commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his response to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Ogbomoso, describing his actions as a demonstration of decisive leadership during a security challenge.

The group also expressed support for Executive Order 001 of 2026, recently signed by the governor to strengthen the regulation and coordination of local security services and improve the protection of lives and property across the state.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ayotomiwa Adebayo, the organization said Governor Makinde had shown commitment to public safety by taking proactive measures following the incident in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to the group, the governor’s swift intervention reflects the type of leadership required at a time when Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges.

The organization stated that it had been closely monitoring developments surrounding the abduction and praised the efforts of the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders involved in ongoing rescue operations.

Describing the incident as disturbing, the group noted that the abduction had generated concern among Nigerians both at home and abroad. It expressed solidarity with the affected families, schools, and residents of Oyo State while calling for intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.

The diaspora organization also commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies participating in the rescue mission, urging them to sustain operations aimed at rescuing the abducted students and teachers and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The group stressed that all individuals involved in criminal activities, including sponsors, collaborators, and financiers of kidnapping operations, should be identified and prosecuted regardless of their status or influence.

It warned that increasing incidents of kidnapping, attacks on schools, and other forms of violent crime pose significant threats to national development, economic growth, and public confidence in security institutions.

The organization called on the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to combat insecurity through enhanced intelligence gathering, increased funding for security agencies, improved inter-agency collaboration, and greater deployment of modern security technology.

According to the statement, the protection of lives and property must remain a top priority for all levels of government to ensure citizens can carry out their daily activities without fear.

The group further advocated for the establishment of state police, stronger border security measures, and wider adoption of technology-driven security solutions to address evolving security threats across the country.

It emphasized that tackling insecurity requires collective action involving federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens.

The Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora expressed optimism that ongoing rescue efforts would result in the safe return of the abducted students and teachers and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and sustainable development in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.