Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, inaugurated the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit of the state Police command, describing the initiative as timely and necessary amid rising concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
Governor Makinde launched the VCRU at the state Police command, Eleyele in Ibadan, the state capital.
He said the creation of the VCRU reflected the collective determination of the state government and security agencies to strengthen the security architecture of the state and ensure residents continue to live and work in peace.
The PUNCH reports that some gun-wielding attackers, who operated on motorcycles, unleashed terror simultaneously on Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities at about 9 am on Friday.
Two people were reportedly killed by the attackers, who also abducted an unspecified number of school children and a headteacher identified as Mrs Alamu.
The governor disclosed that, according to discussions with the Commissioner of Police, the unit is the first of its kind in the South-West region.
Makinde said, “We are working with the security agencies to get clarity on what happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted and that government must remain proactive, vigilant and responsive at all times.
“Economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability could only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and public confidence. Our administration has continued to support security agencies through logistics, mobility support, surveillance infrastructure, intelligence collaboration and improved inter-agency cooperation.”
He described the establishment of the VCRU as a more intelligence-driven, professional and rapid response approach to tackling violent crimes in the state.
“I want to assure the Nigeria Police Force and all security agencies operating in Oyo State that this administration will continue to provide the necessary support required to protect lives and property,” he said.
The governor, therefore, urged residents and community leaders to support security agencies with timely information, saying there remained a major gap in intelligence sharing within communities.
“From what we know so far about yesterday’s incident in Orire Local Government, there is still a big gap in giving timely information to security agencies. When you see strange movements or suspicious behaviour, please report it.”
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the state Police Command for initiating the project, describing it as an effective collaboration between federal security institutions and sub-national governments.
Earlier, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola said the establishment of the unit aligned with the policing reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at replacing former tactical squads with a more accountable and intelligence-led security structure.
He said, “The unit was created to respond swiftly and effectively to violent crimes and emerging security threats while ensuring strict compliance with human rights principles and operational ethics.”
Olugbenga explained that officers selected for the unit were drawn from divisions and formations across the state based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience.
The CP added that the officers underwent intensive training in intelligence gathering, tactical operations, weapon handling, crisis response and civil interaction, while all personnel also passed drug screening and mental health evaluations before deployment.
The police commissioner further announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee made up of representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, market leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders to monitor the operations of the unit and ensure accountability.
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