Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has lamented that the Friday’s abduction of some pupils and students in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire local government area has crippled many families.
Makinde expressed his concern at the launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the State Police HCommand in Ibadan on Saturday.
The event was hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga.
DAILY POST reports that an unspecified number of students were kidnapped from schools in the community. on Friday.
The Vice Principal of a secondary school in the community was abducted, while a teacher and a motorcyclist were killed.
Makinde said the incident should remind the people that security is not the business of government alone.
He maintained that social and economic development cannot thrive in the presence of violence and instability, calling on the people of the state to volunteer information for security agencies to act promptly.
He urged the people to report any strange movement in their vicinity, noting that the establishment of the elite unit is timely.
Makinde said, “We have witnessed a series of kidnappings and various violent crimes, including the kidnapping of school children yesterday, which has crumbled many families.
“This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted. Social and economic development cannot thrive in the absence of peace and stability.
“The inauguration is timely. Security is not the function of government alone. It is the collective responsibility of all.
“We should say something in a timely manner. I will advice the people to be watchful. When you see any storage movement, please report it.
“May peace and stability continue to prevail in Oyo State and Nigeria”.
Abductions in Oyo community have crumbled families – Makinde concerned over violence