Oyo State Government Reassures Residents of Adequate Security Measures

The Oyo State Government has assured residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property. This assurance follows reports of infiltration by bandits from northern parts of the country into the state.

During a press briefing after the Joint Security Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde, the government disclosed that all security measures were being deployed to identify and apprehend the criminals.

Speaking on behalf of the government, retired Commissioner of Police and Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Fatai Owoseni, urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear. He emphasized that the synergy among security agencies in the state would ensure that bandits and other criminal elements have no hiding place.

Owoseni noted that Oyo State is actively collaborating with neighboring states to secure its borders and prevent bandits’ infiltration. He also stated that the government plans to integrate local government chairmen and traditional rulers into an expanded security framework to improve grassroots surveillance and involvement.

“The essence of this is to take security to the grassroots. Local government administration, as the third tier of government, is closest to the people. Similarly, traditional rulers are familiar with the residents of their domains. Their inclusion in the security network ensures a wider reach and fosters collective responsibility in maintaining safety,” Owoseni said.

The Council also deliberated on other key issues, including:

The state plans to use its prerogative of mercy to release some inmates, addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities.

The state is exploring the enrollment of correctional center inmates onto the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee access to quality healthcare. A final decision on this will be made at a subsequent Council meeting.

Other officials at the briefing included:

– Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State

– CP Ayodele Sonubi, Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command

– CC Jaiyeoba Babafemi, Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command

– Joseph Dada, Comptroller, Immigration Services, Oyo State Command

The government reaffirmed its commitment to employing all available resources to secure the state while encouraging residents to cooperate with authorities and report any suspicious activities.