During an appearance on The Morayo Afolabi-Brown Show, he responded to concerns regarding the Federal Government’s management of the ongoing abduction crisis in Oyo State and the overall rise in insecurity across Nigeria.

Bwala insisted that every incident of kidnapping is intertwined with local governance, stating, “Every kidnapping and abduction that takes place in any state of Nigeria, hold that governor responsible.” He highlighted the Federal Government’s Save the School Initiative, which has allocated funds for the establishment of perimeter fencing and early warning systems in educational institutions, questioning the utilization of these funds by state governors. He urged Nigerians to demand transparency from their governors regarding the spending of money allocated for educational security.

Additionally, Bwala expressed concern that local governments were not receiving funds directly designated for them, citing specific financial details from Oyo State. He reported that each local government in Nigeria is entitled to significant monthly payments which, if managed properly, could greatly enhance services such as maternal healthcare, education, and local security.

Highlighting a cultural issue, Bwala criticized the tendency of Nigerians to passively await governmental aid, likening it to waiting for “manna to come from heaven.” He stressed that in other nations, citizens actively seek accountability from their leaders, a practice he believes should be adopted in Nigeria. He explained that, according to Nigeria’s constitutional framework, the President does not wield direct control over state governors, thus limiting the Federal Government’s ability to enforce compliance.

Bwala called for greater civic engagement, urging citizens to organize town hall meetings and utilize media platforms to demand accountability for local governance issues. He remarked that continual public pressure—rather than sporadic complaints—would be more effective in eliciting governmental action.

In addressing the plight of the kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, who have now been in captivity for over 50 days, Bwala noted that the primary focus of the Federal Government remains on securing their safe return, advocating for caution against any rash military action that could endanger lives. He articulated that the paramount obligation of the government in such hostage situations is to ensure the hostages are rescued alive, underscoring the need for careful management of any rescue attempts to avoid potential harm to those abducted.