Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that insecurity remains the most critical problem confronting Nigeria at the moment, describing it as a national challenge that requires sustained efforts and collective responsibility. The governor made this known during the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which also featured the laying of wreaths in honor of fallen heroes. The ceremony took place at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday. According to reports by LMSINT MEDIA, the event brought together top government officials, military personnel, and members of the public to reflect on the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s armed forces in the defense of the nation. While addressing attendees at the event, Governor Makinde acknowledged that the country is currently going through a difficult period marked by several security concerns. He emphasized that despite the challenges, efforts are ongoing at various levels of government to address the situation and restore stability across the country. The governor specifically described the recent killing of five forest rangers at the Old Oyo National Park as a deeply unfortunate incident. He expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and assured them that the Oyo State Government would not abandon them during this difficult time. Governor Makinde further revealed that plans are underway to provide necessary assistance and support to the families of the deceased rangers, stressing that it is important to care for those who lost loved ones in the line of duty rather than engaging in blame-shifting. In his remarks, the governor also commended officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dedication and resilience despite the prevailing security challenges. He noted that security personnel continue to put in their best efforts under difficult circumstances to safeguard lives and property. Makinde assured that the Oyo State Government would continue to give its full backing to security agencies operating within the state. According to him, the administration remains committed to ensuring that security postings in Oyo State are not unnecessarily burdensome and that officers receive the support they need to perform effectively. Speaking further, the governor said the focus of his administration is to promote peace, safety, and tranquility across the state while strengthening collaboration with security agencies to confront emerging threats.
