Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.
By Adewale Owoade
The Oyo State Government has pledged to take a tough stance on crimes and criminalities, reassuring residents of adequate security and safety.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired CP Fatai Owoseni, gave the assurance while briefing journalists after a security stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Owoseni explained that the meeting aimed to review and revamp security strategies, strengthen measures to combat banditry and criminality in Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and parts of Ibadan.
“Just like we have always said, when it comes to the issue of security, you periodically review your strategy.
“In the course of reviewing the security situation, we discovered that we have renewed attacks around Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa as well as at the outskirts of Ibadan.
“Heads of security agencies held a meeting yesterday to look at what we are not doing right and the need for us to restrategise so that we won’t rest on our oars.
“Concluding the meeting, we found out that there is a need to engage our people — society approach.
“Today, we had an opportunity to meet with stakeholders — Chairmen of the local government in Oyo axis and the Honourable members representing the axis in the House of Assembly; the elders from Oyo including some traditional stakeholders.
“We are also exploring every possibility of synergy with Kwara State, just like we have been doing with Ogun State.
“We want the people to know that we have what it takes to prevent all acts of criminalities. And we also have what it takes to respond effectively.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell our people that there is no cause for alarm. The Service Commanders in Oyo State are rejigging their strategy to strengthen their collaborative efforts to ensure that we are able to put a stop to all that is happening.
Owoseni commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s security architecture, noting its positive impact on the state’s economy and businesses.
He urged residents to be security-conscious and report suspicious activities using the toll-free Emergency Number 615.
The meeting, attended by service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional leaders, and community leaders, was part of a strategic decision to revamp security efforts in the state .(NAN)
