By Jan Porch l May 18, 2026
IBADAN — The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over worsening insecurity in the state, accusing his administration of failing to adequately address the growing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across several communities.
In a statement issued by the Oyo State chapter of the party, the AAC described the state as rapidly becoming a “kidnapping hub,” alleging that residents now live in fear due to repeated attacks by armed groups targeting schools, highways, and rural communities.
The criticism follows a series of violent incidents in Oyo State, including the recent abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area. Governor Makinde confirmed that at least seven teachers were kidnapped during the attack, while one teacher was reportedly killed by the attackers.
According to the AAC, the worsening security situation reflects what it called the government’s failure to implement effective preventive security measures despite repeated warnings from residents and local communities. The opposition party accused the state government of reacting only after attacks occur instead of proactively strengthening intelligence gathering and community protection systems.
Governor Makinde, however, has defended his administration’s response to the crisis. Speaking after a high-level security meeting with military commanders and other security agencies, the governor acknowledged that the recent school attack exposed serious intelligence gaps and failures in information sharing. He urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security authorities.
Makinde also announced a broader security crackdown across the state involving police units, military personnel, Amotekun operatives, local hunters, and intelligence agencies. According to the governor, several suspects believed to be collaborators and informants for the attackers have already been arrested as investigations continue.
The governor warned that increasing military pressure against armed groups in northern Nigeria may be pushing terrorists and bandits further southward into states such as Oyo. He emphasized the need for sustained security operations and stronger regional cooperation among southwestern states to confront the evolving threat.
Security concerns have intensified across southwestern Nigeria in recent months as kidnappings, attacks on schools, and highway ambushes spread into areas previously considered relatively stable. Community leaders, civil society groups, and political organizations have increasingly demanded stronger government action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.