By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, advocated for heightened security surveillance and the strategic deployment of patrol vehicles across the state to check the rising wave of criminal activities.
The house Presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the lawmakers emphasized that a more visible and proactive security presence is essential to deter hoodlums, ensure public safety, and facilitate rapid response to emergencies.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Ibadan North West State Constituency, Hon. Dawood Olalere, who underscored that the security of lives and property remains the government’s primary responsibility and a cornerstone for socioeconomic development.
Hon. Olalere lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his sustained investment in the state’s security architecture, citing the support provided to the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the provision of operational vehicles, and the recent acquisition of surveillance aircraft to enhance intelligence gathering.
However, the lawmaker expressed concern that despite these interventions, cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and violent attacks persist in various parts of the state.
He highlighted recent security breaches, including abductions along the Igbeti-Kishi Road, incidents around Ilora in Afijio Local Government Area, and the killing of forest guards at the National Park Service in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area.
He further noted that despite police successes in arresting suspects and intercepting contraband, the resurgence of gang violence and robbery in parts of Ibadan has left residents living in fear.
Hon. Olalere observed that security patrol vehicles are often less visible during late-night and early-morning hours—the peak periods for criminal operations. He proposed that positioning patrol vehicles at strategic entry and exit points, highways, markets, and transport hubs would serve as a powerful deterrent.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Ibadan North East I, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, urged the House Committee on Security and Strategy to carry out an oversight function on the patrol vehicles previously provided to security agencies to determine their current operational status.
He also stressed the need for intensified inter-state security collaboration to curb cross-border crimes.
In her remarks, Hon. Olufunke Comforter (Ibadan North I) bemoaned the national security situation, urging the Federal Government to expedite the constitutional amendment process to allow for the creation of state police.
Following the deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion, mandating the Executive Arm—through the Executive Assistant on Security—to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and other security formations to strengthen patrol deployment.
The Assembly specifically directed that a coordinated patrol framework be developed to ensure the presence of security personnel in urban centers, rural communities, and vulnerable corridors, particularly during midnight and early-morning hours.
Furthermore, the House tasked the Ministry of Information and Orientation with intensifying public enlightenment campaigns, encouraging residents to report suspicious activities.
The House Committee on Security and Strategy was also mandated to conduct regular oversight to ensure effective surveillance and adequate night patrol coverage across the state.
