LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has launched a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) under the state’s Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to strengthen security operations following recent deadly attacks and violent crime.
The unit was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the state police headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The launch comes at a time of heightened insecurity across parts of the state, following a violent attack on Friday morning in Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities.
Reports indicate that armed men riding motorcycles stormed the areas around 9 a.m., killing two people, abducting school children, and taking away a headteacher identified as Mrs Alamu.
Speaking during the inauguration, Makinde said the VCRU reflects a stronger commitment by the state government and security agencies to improve public safety and respond more effectively to violent threats.
He noted that the VCRU is the first of its kind in the South-West region, following discussions with the Commissioner of Police.
“We are working with the security agencies to get clarity on what happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted and that government must remain proactive, vigilant and responsive at all times,” Makinde said.
He added that sustainable development depends heavily on safety and public trust.
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“Economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability could only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and public confidence. Our administration has continued to support security agencies through logistics, mobility support, surveillance infrastructure, intelligence collaboration and improved inter-agency cooperation,” the Governor added.
The governor also described the VCRU as a shift toward intelligence-led and rapid response policing, designed to tackle violent crimes more professionally across Oyo State.
“I want to assure the Nigeria Police Force and all security agencies operating in Oyo State that this administration will continue to provide the necessary support required to protect lives and property,” Makinde stated.
He further urged residents and community leaders to strengthen intelligence sharing with security operatives, warning that delays in reporting suspicious activity remain a major challenge.
“From what we know so far about yesterday’s incident in Orire Local Government, there is still a big gap in giving timely information to security agencies. When you see strange movements or suspicious behaviour, please report it,” he appealed to residents.
Commending federal and state security collaboration, Makinde praised Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and the Oyo State Police Command for the initiative.
Earlier, Commissioner of Police Olugbemiga Abimbola said the unit aligns with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at replacing old tactical squads with a more accountable structure built on intelligence and professionalism.
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He explained that the VCRU was established to respond quickly to violent crime while maintaining strict respect for human rights and operational standards.
Olugbenga added that officers were carefully selected from different formations across the state based on competence, discipline, and experience.
Reportedly, they also underwent intensive training in intelligence gathering, tactical response, weapon handling, crisis management, civil relations, along with drug screening and mental health checks before deployment.
To strengthen accountability, the police command also unveiled an independent oversight committee made up of representatives from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, National Human Rights Commission, market associations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
Notably, the committee will monitor operations of the new unit to ensure transparency, discipline, and public trust in its activities.
With the VCRU now operational, attention turns to how effectively it can respond to emerging security threats while restoring confidence in affected communities across Oyo State.
