Insecurity: Makinde Inaugurates Violent Crime Response Unit, Urges Timely Intelligence Sharing

Seyi Makinde on Saturday inaugurated the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State, describing the initiative as timely and necessary amid rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.

The governor launched the unit at the state police command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, saying it reflects a joint commitment between the state government and security agencies to strengthen the security architecture and ensure residents can live and work in safety.

According to Makinde, the VCRU is designed to improve rapid response capacity and intelligence-driven policing in tackling violent crimes across the state. He added that it is the first of its kind in the South-West region.

The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of the state. Reports indicated that gunmen operating on motorcycles attacked Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities at about 9 a.m. on Friday, killing two persons and abducting an unspecified number of school children, including a headteacher identified as Mrs Alamu.

Makinde said discussions with the Commissioner of Police revealed the importance of strengthening intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies, warning that delays in reporting suspicious activities can worsen security outcomes.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that security remains a collective responsibility, noting that government efforts must be supported by timely information from citizens to prevent avoidable attacks.

Makinde also reiterated that economic growth, investment, tourism, and social stability depend heavily on a secure environment where lives and property are protected.

He said his administration would continue to support security agencies through logistics, surveillance infrastructure, mobility support, intelligence collaboration, and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.

The governor described the new unit as part of a broader strategy to improve professionalism, responsiveness, and coordination in tackling violent crimes across Oyo State.