Governor Seyi Makinde has responded to protesters calling for urgent action over the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State, stating that his role as governor does not give him direct operational control over the country’s security agencies.
The governor made the clarification on Tuesday during a protest in Ibadan led by social media activist VeryDarkMan, which drew attention to recent abductions of school pupils, teachers, and other residents across parts of the state.
Hundreds of protesters marched through major areas of the Oyo State capital, demanding stronger security measures, swift rescue operations for kidnapped victims, and improved protection for communities affected by the recent wave of attacks.
Addressing the demonstrators, Makinde explained that although governors are often referred to as “chief security officers” of their states, they do not have direct command over key security formations such as the police and the military, which operate under federal authority.
The protest, which also attracted civil society groups and concerned residents, was led by VeryDarkMan, who urged both state and federal authorities to take more decisive action against kidnappers and other criminal elements destabilising communities in Oyo State.
The demonstration comes amid heightened public concern over recent abduction incidents in the state, with growing calls for improved coordination among security agencies and urgent steps to ensure the safe return of victims.
