Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on the Federal Government to speed up efforts toward the creation of state police, saying the move would strengthen Nigeria’s security structure and improve the fight against crime.

The governor made the appeal during the governorship and legislative primary elections of the Allied Peoples Movement held at the Watershed Event Centre in Ibadan.

Makinde urged the Federal Government to work closely with state houses of assembly to ensure the quick passage of laws needed to establish state police across the country.

According to him, decentralising policing would improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level and enable state governments to respond more effectively to security threats within their territories.

The governor also addressed the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring affected families that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the victims.

He stated that security has remained a major focus of his administration since assuming office and pledged continued attention to the protection of lives and property in the state.

Makinde further thanked residents of Oyo State for their support over the past seven years, noting that the cooperation of citizens had contributed to the achievements recorded by his administration.

He also appealed to the electorate to support the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Bimbo Adekanmbi, in the 2027 general elections.

The governor advised Adekanmbi to build his own leadership style and relationships, stressing that leadership should focus on service, unity and vision rather than division.

Several political leaders and government officials attended the event, including Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin.