Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has deployed 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, to Ibarapa local government area of the state with a mandate to rid the state’s forests of criminals.
The governor’s order comes amidst increased security concerns in the southwestern state as well as the growing tension between residents and Fulani herders living in their community.
Governor Makinde in a statement on Wednesday said asides the mandate of clearing the state’s forests of criminals, the operatives are expected to present daily reports of their activities to him
“Following the meeting held with representatives of Igangan, Ibarapaland which was attended by security stakeholders including the recently appointed Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Mrs Ngozi Onadeko, our administration has come up with a security strategy for that zone,” the governor said.
“We have resolved to redeploy 200 members of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun to kidnapping/banditry hotspots in the state, especially in the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones.
“These operatives will launch missions to rid the forests of criminals. They will be presenting daily reports of their activities to me in the short run and periodic reports in the long run.
“In the next few weeks, we’ll hold town hall meetings and community outreaches, bringing together residents and security agencies to talk about any issues of immediate concern and how they can be resolved through dialogue and more effective community policing.”
By Abel Ejikeme
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