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The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of a joint security task force to strengthen efforts against growing insecurity across the state. Lawmakers made the appeal during plenary while discussing recent incidents of kidnapping, bandit attacks, and other violent crimes, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of the state. They stressed that a coordinated approach involving multiple security agencies is necessary to effectively tackle the evolving security threats facing communities.
Members of the Assembly expressed concern over the increasing activities of criminal groups operating within forested areas and remote communities, noting that the challenge has stretched existing security resources. They argued that a dedicated joint task force comprising the military, police, civil defence personnel, intelligence agencies, local security outfits, and other relevant stakeholders would improve intelligence sharing, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities. The lawmakers maintained that stronger collaboration among security institutions is essential to preventing future attacks and restoring public confidence.
The call comes amid intensified rescue operations for students and teachers abducted during the recent school attack in Oriire Local Government Area. Security agencies have continued searching forest locations believed to be housing the victims, while state and federal authorities have increased deployments to affected areas. Lawmakers said the latest incident underscores the need for a more structured and sustained security framework capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats across Oyo State.
The Assembly also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could aid crime prevention and criminal investigations. It emphasized that addressing insecurity requires both government action and community participation. Observers say the proposal for a joint task force reflects growing pressure on authorities to adopt stronger measures as concerns over kidnappings, armed attacks, and rural insecurity continue to dominate public discourse in the state.
