APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his comments on the recent Oyo abduction. He said the governor embarrassed himself by linking the incident to his reported 2027 presidential ambition.
Makinde had earlier said the kidnapping happened shortly after he declared his presidential ambition. He also noted that Oyo State had not recorded a similar security breach during his seven years in office. According to the governor, the timing of the attack was unusual.
However, Igbokwe rejected that explanation. In a Facebook post, he said Makinde should have focused on the security challenge instead of making political claims. He argued that the governor’s remarks failed to address the real issues raised by the abduction.
According to Igbokwe, leaders should concentrate on protecting lives and property. He added that Nigerians expect practical steps to tackle insecurity. He maintained that linking criminal acts to politics does little to reassure the public.
The Oyo abduction drew national attention after gunmen attacked travellers along the Oyo-Iseyin Road. The attackers abducted pupils, teachers and other passengers. As a result, the incident renewed concerns about security in the state and the safety of commuters.
Following the incident, security agencies rescued the victims. In addition, the Oyo State Government reviewed security arrangements in the affected communities. The move formed part of efforts to prevent a similar attack.
Despite the criticism, Makinde has defended his remarks. He insisted that he only highlighted the timing of the kidnapping. He also said he did not intend to politicise the incident. Furthermore, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security across the state.
As stated in daily post,Meanwhile, Igbokwe’s reaction has added another dimension to discussions surrounding the Oyo abduction. Nevertheless, the incident continues to highlight the broader security challenges facing the country. Consequently, the debate has shifted beyond politics to the need for stronger measures against kidnapping.
