The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli, has expressed profound sympathy to families of kidnap victims across the state, urging the government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe and immediate release of all abductees.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, Alli described the rising cases of kidnappings and insecurity as alarming and deeply troubling, particularly at a time residents expect government to uphold its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
He noted that the worsening security situation had continued to heighten fear and anxiety among residents, while families of abducted persons endure emotional trauma and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
According to the senator, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.
He stressed that the immediate priority of the state government should be the implementation of urgent and coordinated security measures to address the challenges, rather than appearing helpless or paying lip service to its constitutional obligations.
Alli urged the state government and relevant security agencies to prioritise intelligence gathering, strengthen security operations, and ensure that perpetrators of criminal activities are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
He added that this was the time for government to invest in necessary security infrastructure and assets capable of tackling criminality effectively, instead of dissipating energy on less important matters.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens to engage in peaceful and lawful protests, Alli maintained that decisive security actions aimed at rescuing victims, curbing insecurity and restoring public confidence should take precedence.
According to him, no serious government should place greater priority on protests and their associated implications when the safety of citizens was under serious threat.
The APC chieftain reaffirmed his commitment to supporting strategic initiatives that would improve security and promote lasting peace across Oyo State.
He also offered prayers for the safe return of all abducted persons and appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid rescue operations and efforts to combat criminality across the state.
