The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a broader and more strategic approach to intelligence gathering in addressing the country’s worsening insecurity.
Drivetvnews gathered that the monarch emphasised the importance of combining modern technology with local intelligence systems to identify and track criminal elements before attacks occur.
In a statement issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the traditional ruler said the government must move away from reactive responses to insecurity and instead invest in proactive intelligence operations capable of preventing threats before they materialise.
He also stressed the need to strengthen security around vulnerable locations such as schools and rural communities while dismantling the financial and logistical networks supporting criminal groups.
According to the Alaafin, effective collaboration with local communities is essential for building trust and gathering useful intelligence rather than treating residents as victims of military operations.
The statement followed recent terrorist attacks and abductions in the Oyo communities of Ahoro-Esinele, Alawusa, Yawota and Oniya, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
To support ongoing rescue efforts and encourage security personnel, the monarch donated money to complement government operations aimed at apprehending the attackers.
He recalled that bandits invaded Esinele School last Friday, killing two people, burning a vehicle and abducting an unspecified number of pupils and a teacher into the Old Oyo National Park forest.
Oba Owoade lamented the growing wave of killings and kidnappings across the country, describing the situation as unbearable and capable of weakening public confidence in government.
He warned that persistent violence, kidnappings and attacks were exposing citizens to psychological trauma and threatening national unity and governance.
The Alaafin added that solving the insecurity crisis would require not only military action but also sincere political leadership capable of addressing the root causes of criminality and insurgency.
While calling for a complete overhaul of the country’s security architecture, the monarch commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing commitment toward tackling insecurity.
He also sympathised with families of victims and expressed confidence that those responsible for the attacks would eventually face justice.
