Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has come under intense public criticism following his sharp remarks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government over the handling of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun.
Makinde, while speaking on the ongoing debate surrounding state policing in Nigeria, accused the Federal Government of frustrating the growth and effectiveness of Amotekun by denying the outfit access to sophisticated weapons and refusing to fully support the creation of state police structures.
“Amotekun was our stop-gap for State Police. Lagos didn’t join because Tinubu didn’t want Amotekun. The Federal Government should stop wasting our time and stop asking the Inspector General of Police to establish State Police,” the governor stated.
However, the governor’s comments have sparked widespread backlash, especially as Oyo State battles the ongoing Oriire school abduction crisis involving kidnapped schoolchildren.
Many citizens particularly on X platform formally known as Twitter, accused Makinde of attempting to shift responsibility to the Presidency rather than focusing on the rescue efforts and security lapses within the state. Social media platforms and public forums were flooded with reactions criticizing the timing of the governor’s remarks.
Several commentators argued that even within the current limitations facing Amotekun, the state government still bears responsibility for intelligence gathering, logistics, patrol operations, and local security coordination.
Critics also questioned the level of funding and welfare provided to Amotekun operatives in Oyo State, alleging that many personnel remain poorly equipped and under supported despite the governor’s public complaints against Abuja.
Others described the governor’s comments as politically motivated and insensitive, especially at a time when families of abducted children are anxiously awaiting rescue efforts.
The controversy has reignited the national conversation around state policing, regional security outfits, and the relationship between state governments and federal security agencies.
Despite the heated exchanges, many residents insist that the immediate priority should remain the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and stronger collaboration between Oyo State authorities and federal security agencies.
It will be recalled that the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State sparked nationwide outrage after armed men reportedly invaded schools in the area and whisked away several pupils and students into the forest.
The incident threw affected families and residents into panic, while concerns mounted over the worsening security situation in the state.
While some of the children have reportedly been rescued, the viral images and videos of the victims after their release were widely condemned as dehumanizing and heartbreaking, further intensifying public anger over the tragic incident.
Since the attack, pressure has continued to mount on both the Oyo State Government and federal security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of the remaining abducted children, as public criticism and political reactions continue to dominate discussions surrounding the crisis.
