PDP Leaders Visit Makinde, Condemn Oyo School Abduction, Demand Security Reform

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who visited him to sympathise with the state government over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esinele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and the party’s Interim National Working Committee (NWC), led by Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, also condoled with the governor over the killing of one of the teachers during the attack.

The meeting was held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the delegation visited to express solidarity with the Oyo State Government and to reassure residents during a difficult period.

He commended Makinde’s efforts in deploying resources to safeguard lives and property in the state, while strongly condemning banditry and attacks on innocent citizens.

He said, “The Interim National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees are here to commiserate with His Excellency, the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident that took place in Oriire Local Government recently.”

Turaki stressed that security remained a fundamental national issue that required urgent attention, adding that the PDP was deeply concerned about the incident despite government efforts in the state.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and quick to alert authorities when they notice suspicious activity.

“We are aware of the efforts His Excellency has been making to ensure the safety of the people of Oyo State,” he said.

While fielding questions, Turaki called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, insisting that governors should have direct control over security agencies operating within their states.

He argued that the current structure limits rapid response, noting that delays in command approval from Abuja often worsen security situations on the ground.

“If the governor is the chief security officer of the state, then for all intents and purposes, he should be seen to be in charge of the security apparatus in the state,” he said.

He added that granting governors operational control would significantly improve security coordination and help prevent recurring attacks across the country.