Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday inaugurated the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibadan, describing the initiative as a critical step towards tackling kidnapping, armed violence and other emerging security threats in the state.
The launch of the specialised tactical unit came barely 24 hours after gunmen reportedly attacked communities in Orire Local Government Area, killing at least two persons and abducting several schoolchildren alongside a headteacher identified as Mrs Alamu.
Makinde, who inaugurated the unit at the state Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, said the development reflected a joint commitment by the Oyo State Government and security agencies to strengthen the state’s security architecture amid growing insecurity across the country.
According to the governor, discussions with the state Commissioner of Police indicated that the VCRU is the first police tactical response unit of its kind in the South-West region.
“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,” Makinde said while reacting to the Orire attack.
“This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted and that government must remain proactive, vigilant and responsive at all times.”
Reports from the affected communities indicated that armed attackers riding motorcycles stormed Yawota and Ahoro Esinle areas on Friday morning, unleashing panic among residents before abducting victims, including schoolchildren.
The governor said the incident underscored the urgency of adopting a more intelligence-driven and rapid response approach to violent crimes in Oyo State.
He noted that his administration had consistently supported security agencies through logistics, surveillance infrastructure, mobility support and inter-agency collaboration aimed at improving response capabilities.
“Economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability can only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and public confidence,” Makinde added.
The governor also urged residents, traditional rulers and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence, insisting that gaps in information sharing remain a major challenge in combating insecurity.
“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 said.
Makinde commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command for initiating the project, describing the move as an example of effective collaboration between federal security institutions and state governments.
Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, said the establishment of the VCRU aligns with ongoing police reforms targeted at replacing disbanded tactical squads with more accountable, intelligence-led operations.
According to him, officers deployed to the unit were carefully selected from divisions and formations across the state based on competence, integrity, discipline and operational experience.
Abimbola disclosed that the operatives underwent intensive training covering intelligence gathering, tactical operations, crisis response, weapon handling and civil interaction.
He added that all personnel passed drug screening and mental health evaluations before deployment.
The police commissioner also announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee comprising representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups and market leaders to monitor the activities of the unit and ensure accountability.
The creation of the VCRU comes amid mounting concerns over rising kidnapping cases and violent attacks in parts of Oyo State and neighbouring South-West states, prompting renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering and community policing strategies.
