To follow through with safeguarding the lives of people, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has redeployed 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.
This was made known in a series of a tweet by the Governor on Wednesday after a meeting was held with representatives of Igangan, Ibarapaland which was attended by security stakeholders including the recently appointed Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Mrs Ngozi Onadeko.
Gov. Makinde revealed that Amotekun will work with Operation Burst’ and local vigilante groups to enforce the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019 which regulates the activities of herdsmen.
In his report, he also insisted that all suspects involved in criminal activities in Ibarapa and the Oke-Ogun zones of the state in connection with the ongoing tensions in the area will be prosecuted.
Read the full tweet below;
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: Deployment of Additional Operatives of the Amotekun Corps.
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.
Continuous Dialogue
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.
Documentation of Foreigners
As stated in an earlier press conference, we will proceed with the documentation of foreigners, especially those who are working in mines. This will ensure that only foreigners who have legitimate interests in Oyo State remain within our territory.
Enforcement of Existing Laws
We will continue to enforce the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019. This law also regulates the activities of herdsmen in Oyo State.
We have directed the Amotekun Corps to continue collaborating with ‘Operation Burst’ and local vigilante groups in enforcing this law.
You will recall that in the security meeting of south-west governors and other stakeholders two days ago, it was agreed that open grazing is banned in the entire south-west zone.
Collaboration with Federal Security Agencies
Our administration will continue to support the police and other federal security agencies posted to the state in the discharge of their duties.
We are aware that some farmers have been killed and/or lost their livelihoods to criminal trespass and damage by pastoralists. And so, the State EXCO is considering the possibility of compensation payments to families of victims or victims who can prove their claims.
We have started the process of prosecuting all suspects arrested for criminal activities in Ibarapa and the Oke-Ogun zones of the state in connection with the ongoing tensions in the area.
Let me thank residents of Oyo State who complied with the directive to remain peaceful, and call on all residents to stay vigilant and always contact the security agencies empowered by law to deal with security issues.
We remain resolute in our commitment to protect the lives and properties of residents of our dear state.
