Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. This criticism comes in the wake of the recent abduction of residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Ajadi insists that the Federal Government must take full responsibility for the protection of citizens.
Reacting to the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across the Southwest, Ajadi expressed grave concerns about the effectiveness of the nation's security structure and leadership. He argued that no government can claim success when its citizens live in constant fear of abduction, attacks, banditry, and other violent crimes.
“Any president who cannot secure his citizens is not worth being president,” Ajadi declared. He further called on President Tinubu to take responsibility for the worsening security situation, asserting that Nigerians deserve a government capable of guaranteeing the safety of lives and property. “Resign honourably now, Mr President. The money gathered through the removal of fuel subsidy has not been effectively used to curb insecurity,” he said.
Abduction in Oriire Highlights Security Failures
Ajadi expressed deep concern over the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso. He described it as another painful reminder of the security challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians, despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government. He argued that the incident also validates concerns previously raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State regarding the limitations faced by state governors in combating insecurity.
Referencing Makinde's remarks, Ajadi noted that the governor had publicly explained that although governors are often described as chief security officers of their states, they do not possess direct operational control over the military and other critical security agencies. Ajadi recalled Makinde's position that governors can only request military intervention through the Federal Government and do not have constitutional authority to command security formations independently.
According to Ajadi, the governor's statement exposes a major weakness in Nigeria's security architecture, where state governments are held accountable by citizens for security failures despite lacking direct control over key security institutions. He maintained that the increasing cases of kidnapping across the Southwest demonstrate the urgent need for the Federal Government to strengthen security operations, improve intelligence gathering, and provide greater support to states battling criminal activities.
Need for Stronger Security Collaboration
Ajadi stressed that the sacrifices being made by local security outfits and state authorities would produce greater results if there were stronger collaboration among security agencies, faster emergency response systems, and greater decentralization of security operations. He warned that insecurity is gradually becoming one of the greatest threats to economic development, agriculture, education, investment, and social stability across Nigeria.
“Without good security, no business will thrive. Investors will not bring their money into an environment where lives and investments are not protected. Farmers cannot safely cultivate their lands, traders cannot move their goods freely, and businesses cannot expand where criminal activities are allowed to flourish,” Ajadi said. He noted that the continued rise in kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks has discouraged investment in many parts of the country and has negatively affected productivity and job creation.
Recommended Measures to Restore Security
Ajadi urged the Federal Government to move beyond political statements and implement practical measures capable of restoring public confidence in the nation's security system. Among the measures he recommended are:
- Recruitment of more security personnel
- Deployment of modern surveillance technology
- Strengthening of intelligence networks
- Improved welfare packages for security officers
- Enhanced border security
- Closer cooperation between federal security agencies and state-backed security outfits
He also advocated tougher sanctions against criminal elements and corrupt security personnel who aid criminal activities. According to him, any security officer found collaborating with kidnappers, bandits, or other criminal groups should be immediately arrested, thoroughly investigated, prosecuted, and subjected to the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Call for State Empowerment in Security
Ajadi further called for reforms that would empower states to have greater involvement in security management, while ensuring coordination with federal authorities. He said residents in rural areas, farmers, traders, students, and travelers are increasingly becoming vulnerable to criminal elements, creating fear and uncertainty among the population.
“The safety of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government. Citizens should not have to live under the constant threat of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks,” he added. The recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area has generated widespread concern across Oyo State and the Southwest, with many residents calling for stronger security measures and immediate action to secure the release of the victims.
For Ajadi, however, the incident represents more than an isolated crime. According to him, it reflects a broader national security crisis that requires decisive leadership, structural reforms, improved intelligence gathering, stronger law enforcement institutions, and a renewed commitment by government at all levels to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
