APM Lagos Welcomes Release of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Renews Call for State Police

…As Party commends rescue efforts, congratulates Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the safe return of the victims.

The Lagos State Chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has expressed relief and gratitude over the safe release of the school children and teachers who were recently abducted in Oyo State, describing the development as a source of joy for their families and Nigerians who prayed for their return.

In a statement issued on Friday by its State Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, the party commended everyone who played roles in securing the release of the victims and congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the positive outcome.

The party particularly congratulated Oyo State Governor and APM Presidential Candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for what it described as his steadfast leadership and commitment throughout the period of the abduction.

According to the statement, incidents of kidnapping and insecurity continue to expose the limitations of Nigeria’s centralised policing structure, stressing that the successful rescue of the victims underscores the need for urgent reforms in the country’s security architecture.

The party renewed its call on the Federal Government to expedite constitutional and legislative processes that would pave the way for the establishment of state police, arguing that governors, who are constitutionally recognised as Chief Security Officers of their states, currently lack direct operational control over security agencies.

APM maintained that the creation of state police would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and ensure faster responses to security threats.

The party added that with the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, Governor Makinde can now devote greater attention to the developmental programmes of his administration while continuing to pursue his vision for Nigeria’s future.