BREAKING: Hold Southwest Governors Responsible for Insecurity – Lere Olayinka Tells Residents
Abuja, Nigeria – June 2, 2026 (African News Digest) – Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of Southwest Nigeria to hold their state governors accountable for the growing insecurity in the region.
Olayinka made the remarks on Tuesday while reacting to the recent abduction of pupils and teachers from LA School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle, located in Ogbomoso and Oriire Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
The attack, which has sparked widespread outrage and protests, prompted President Bola Tinubu to dispatch a high-level federal delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.
In a post on social media platform X, Olayinka accused Southwest governors of politicising the issue of insecurity through what he described as emotional and sentimental narratives rather than taking decisive action.
He cited the administration of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose as an example of proactive leadership in tackling security challenges.
According to Olayinka, Fayose did not rely solely on the Federal Government during a wave of kidnappings in Ekiti State but mobilised local hunters, security personnel, and soldiers to confront criminal elements.
He also highlighted Fayose’s implementation of anti-open grazing laws, which required cattle rearers to be identified and restricted nighttime movements into the state.
Recalling a past incident involving the killing of a pregnant woman in Orin-Ekiti Farm Settlement, Olayinka said Fayose summoned community stakeholders and Fulani leaders, demanding accountability and cooperation in bringing suspects to justice.
The aide argued that governors possess significant powers and resources that can be deployed to strengthen local security and protect residents.
He maintained that while the Federal Government has a constitutional role in national security, state governments must also be held responsible for addressing security threats within their jurisdictions.
Olayinka urged citizens to move beyond political sentiments and demand concrete security measures from their elected governors.
The comments come amid heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Southwest Nigeria following the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
African News Digest will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Oyo school abductions and ongoing debates over state and federal responsibilities in addressing insecurity.
