Governor of Oyo state, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated its continued support to the Nigeria police and other security agencies to keep maintaining peace in Oyo state.
The governor, who stated this on Thursday, while receiving the Oyo state Commissioner of Police, Ademola Hamzat at the Governor’s office, Agodi, Secretariat in ibadan, said that Oyo state government and security agencies must work in synergy to ensure that the issue of security challenges is brought to the bearest minimum.
According to him, security is a serious issue that the nation deals with on a daily basis and that the Nigerian Police are obligated to uphold peace and order, noting that Oyo State is a pacesetter state that handles security issues to the barest minimum.
Receiving the CP on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the deputy governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, insisted that there have been security concerns in Niger and the neighboring Benin Republic, which borders Oyo State, but noted that the Nigerian police have always been active throughout the country, particularly in the North. He charged the new CP to increase security in and around Oke-Ogun forest reserves and Ibarapaland, which frequently serve as magnets for criminal activity.
He listed illegal mining, kidnapping, and maiming as security concerns in the state, particularly in areas like Kajola and Iseyin where kidnapping is a constant problem. He, however, commended the police for their swift action always in addressing security concerns in the local governments as well as other volatile zones.
While commending the new CP Hamzat, the deputy governor remarked that since he assumed office, he has been able to boost security in the state, as he assured that Oyo government would continue to work in tandem with security agencies and continue to ensure that it keeps the state well secured.
Lawal, who stated that the police and government security aides had helped Oyo combat the state’s security problems, urged the police to also find ways to deal with insecurity in the Ibarapa zone, which he claimed was a volatile area. He also pleaded with the residents of the Ibarapa zone to maintain peace and order.
He said: “Those fomenting trouble in the zone should maintain peace because there’s no way a state can operate in the atmosphere of violence to bring development.
“So, those people must put an end to it. If they have agitation, they have the police command that they can report to. But taking law into their hands and begin to inflict injuries won’t be condoned.
“We don’t want maiming and killing in Oyo state but peace. We will keep with that in Oyo state. Wherever there is issue, there can’t be progress. So, in this regard, I think all traditional leaders and stakeholders in ibarapa zone and other zones should keen into the vision of Makinde led administration which is a vision of development and vision of tranquility. We don’t want crises. We don’t want violence in Oyo state. We want peace.
“Once again, thank you CP for deeming it fit that Oyo state government have been giving support to the Nigeria police. We will keep supporting Nigeria police to maintain peace. It’s the primary aim of all governments to keep peace and security. Whatever we do, maintenance of peace is paramount. And whatever we are doing as a state, by way of support, is also backed by the constitution as the governor remains the chief security officer of the state.
“Whetaveer we are doing in furtherance of the constitution is the duty of the government and the state. So, we are ever ready to continue giving support to embrace peace in Oyo state.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Hamzat, expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Governor Makinde’s administration, particularly with regard to security concerns, noting that his administration had been supporting them and making provisions for the police force.
He added that with the continuous support of the government, the state would continue to enjoy normal rest and calm.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Commissioner local government and chieftency matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Special Adviser on Security to the Gov, Rtd Compol Fatai Owoseni; Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland security, Femi Adegoke and Executive Assistant to the governor on security Rtd Compol Odukoya
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