Governor Seyi Makinde has said that the federal government’s control over security agencies has made it difficult for him to respond effectively to the recent wave of kidnappings and other security challenges in the state.
Makinde made the statement on Saturday in Ibadan while accepting the presidential nomination of the African Peoples Movement (APM).
He expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and other residents abducted by criminal groups in Oyo State, describing the situation as heartbreaking and difficult for any leader to ignore.
The governor explained that although he is officially regarded as the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, he does not have direct control over the security agencies needed to respond quickly and decisively to such incidents.
According to him, this limitation makes it hard for state governors to fully tackle security problems, even when they are held responsible by the public.
Makinde said the ongoing kidnappings serve as a painful reminder of the gap between responsibility and actual authority in managing security at the state level.
He added that no elected leader should be expected to deliver security results without being given the full power and control required to act when emergencies arise.