Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Oyo State Police Command, describing the initiative as a strategic move to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in the state.
The governor unveiled the special unit on Saturday at the Police headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, saying the establishment of the outfit underscored the commitment of his administration and security agencies to safeguarding lives and property.
The inauguration came barely 24 hours after gunmen reportedly attacked Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state, killing two persons and abducting several schoolchildren alongside a headteacher identified as Mrs Alamu.
Makinde said the incident highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies, especially in the area of intelligence gathering and information sharing.
“We are working with security agencies to get a clearer picture of what happened. Our thoughts are with the families affected by the incident,” the governor said.
He added that security remained critical to economic growth, investment and social stability, noting that his administration would continue to provide logistics and operational support for security agencies in the state.
According to him, the newly established VCRU is the first of its kind in the South-West and is designed to provide a more intelligence-driven and rapid response to violent crimes.
Makinde also urged residents and community leaders to promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities, insisting that delayed intelligence had continued to hamper security operations.
“From what we have gathered about the Orire incident, there is still a gap in timely information sharing with security agencies. People must speak up when they notice anything unusual,” he said.
The governor commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Oyo State Police Command for initiating the project, which he described as a product of effective collaboration between federal and state authorities.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbemiga Abimbola, said the unit was established in line with ongoing policing reforms aimed at replacing old tactical squads with more accountable and intelligence-based structures.
He explained that officers selected for the squad were drawn from different divisions and formations across the state based on competence, discipline, operational experience and integrity.
Abimbola added that the personnel underwent intensive training in intelligence gathering, tactical operations, weapon handling, crisis management and civil relations, while all operatives were subjected to drug screening and mental health assessments before deployment.
The police commissioner also announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee comprising representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, market leaders and other stakeholders to monitor the operations of the unit and ensure accountability.
