A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, has called for the immediate implementation of State Police, Local Government policing units and other decentralised security measures, warning that continued delay could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges.
Ayodeji Alao-Akala representing ogbomoso North ,South and Oriire Federal Constituency made the call while presenting a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the Oriire school kidnappings, the murder of teacher Michael Oyedokun and the urgent need for structural security reform.
The lawmaker argued that Nigeria’s current centralised policing system has proved inadequate in addressing localised security threats, particularly in communities facing recurring attacks from bandits and kidnappers.
Recalling previous resolutions of the House on security reforms, Alao-Akala urged the National Assembly and the Executive Arm of Government to commence full implementation of a decentralised and regional security architecture.
According to him, the proposed framework should include State Police, Local Government policing units, decentralised courts and an integrated national intelligence and surveillance network.
He warned that every delay in implementing the reforms leaves citizens vulnerable to criminal elements.
“Every day we delay implementing that adopted resolution, we leave our people defenceless before an enemy that grows bolder,” he said.
The lawmaker further stated that the same centrally controlled policing structure that failed to prevent the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire and the killing of Michael Oyedokun could fail other communities if urgent reforms are not undertaken.
Alao-Akala maintained that insecurity around the Old Oyo National Park and neighbouring communities has exposed the limitations of the existing security framework, stressing the need for security solutions that are closer to the people and more responsive to local realities.
As part of the motion, he urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to move beyond policy discussions and begin practical implementation of security reforms aimed at improving intelligence gathering, response time and community policing.
He also called on the House Committees on Defence, Interior, Police Affairs and National Security to monitor progress on the implementation of the proposed measures and report back to the House within 30 days.
The motion comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area and the killing of one of the victims, Michael Oyedokun, while in captivity.
