Oyo Bandit Attacks: PDP BoT, Interim NWC Meet Makinde In Ibadan, Demand Security Overhaul

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The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Adolphus Wabara, alongside members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee (NWC) under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, on Monday called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture following recent bandit attacks in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The delegation met behind closed doors with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where discussions centred on the worsening security situation in parts of the state.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Interim NWC Chairman of the factional PDP, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the visit was aimed at commiserating with the government and people of Oyo State over the recent attacks in Oriire Local Government and some parts of Ibadan.

“The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Interim National Working Committee, and the Board of Trustees (BoT), are here to commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incidents that recently occurred in Oriire Local Government and some parts of Ibadan,” Turaki said.

He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Makinde in combating insecurity and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“We believe the issue of security is fundamental and must be taken very seriously. We are aware of the efforts His Excellency has consistently made to ensure the safety of the people of Oyo State and to protect lives and property across the state,” he stated.

Turaki expressed concern that the attacks occurred despite the substantial investments made by the state government in strengthening security, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.

“Seeing incidents like these happen despite the enormous resources the governor has committed to security is deeply concerning, especially as the election period approaches.

“We came to encourage and strengthen him, as well as reassure the people of Oyo State that this difficult moment shall pass by the grace of God,” he added.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies in tackling insecurity.
“More than ever at this critical time, every Nigerian must remain security conscious.

“We must pay attention to our surroundings, remain vigilant, and promptly alert the authorities whenever necessary. Security should also involve communal effort,” he said.

Turaki expressed confidence in the measures already initiated by the Oyo State Government to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“By the grace of God, we have listened to what His Excellency has said publicly and also during our discussions with him.

“We are confident that the measures he has already begun implementing will ensure that this kind of ugly incident does not happen again in Oyo State,” he said.

The PDP chieftain also called on the Federal Government to urgently reform Nigeria’s security structure, describing the current arrangement as ineffective and overly centralised.

“Our message to the Federal Government is that Nigeria’s security architecture urgently needs to be overhauled. This has become long overdue,” Turaki declared.

He argued that state governors should be granted greater control over security operations within their states to improve response time and operational efficiency.

“It is contradictory for a governor to be referred to as the Chief Security Officer of a state while having no direct control over the security agencies operating within that state,” he said.

“You cannot imagine a situation where a governor convenes a Security Council meeting, decisions are taken, and yet the Commissioner of Police or military commanders must still seek clearance from Abuja before acting. By the time approvals are obtained, significant damage may already have been done.”

Turaki maintained that decentralising security control would significantly strengthen the country’s response to insecurity and enhance public safety nationwide.