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South-West States Unite Against Kidnapping Surge, Mull Joint Security Patrols

Published

9 months ago

Feb 4, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog in response to the escalating kidnapping crisis in the South-West region, governors are considering collaborative measures to tackle the menace.

The state leaders are contemplating joint security patrols involving various agencies to combat the surge in kidnappings that has plagued the region in recent times.

Additionally, plans are underway to provide increased logistics support, including more arms, to security agents such as the military, police, Amotekun, vigilantes, and local hunters.

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The peaceful South-West region, which has witnessed a spike in kidnapping incidents, is now a focal point for governors to strategize and implement collective security measures.

Recent tragic events, including the killing of two Ekiti monarchs and the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens, have prompted urgent action.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, highlighted Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to reinforcing security across the state.

Olanrewaju mentioned the provision of vehicles and communication gadgets to security agencies, emphasizing the government’s pro-activeness in addressing the security challenges.

He said, “That is why, recently, the government gave out vehicles to the security agencies in the state to ensure that they can operate without any problem. Apart from giving out vehicles, they also got communication gadgets.”

Similarly, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, expressed deep concern about the resurgence of crime, particularly kidnapping, in the state.

He disclosed plans to deploy drones and special equipment for monitoring and intelligence gathering, providing the state with a technological edge against criminals.

He added, “With global best practices, we are undertaking the deployment of drones and other special equipment for monitoring and intelligence gathering.”

Ekiti State, on the other hand, is strengthening its regional security outfit, Amotekun, and exploring the possibility of carrying arms.

The Special Adviser on Media to Ekiti State Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, emphasized the need for Amotekun to carry arms to effectively combat criminal activities.

Plans include increased recruitment and a change in the dimensions of recruitment strategies.

He stated, “It is important that Amotekun carry arms; even though there has been an agreement that Amotekun can exist, if they do not carry arms, they are useless.”

Speaking on behalf of the Zone 11 Police Command, comprising Oyo and Osun states, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Ayeni, outlined measures taken at the zonal level.

Tactical teams have been created to counter the surge in criminality, and local initiatives, such as joint task forces involving civilians, Amotekun personnel, vigilantes, and local hunters, are being implemented.

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Ayeni said, “Recently in Osun State, the Commissioner of Police put together some team called the Joint Task Force, which involved civilians, Amotekun personnel, vigilantes and local hunters so that they can see what is going on within our bushes, and if you look at it there is no such problem in Osun and Oyo states because crime is local and we are working locally against it.”

The collective efforts by South-West states aim to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and violence, with a focus on enhancing security infrastructure, logistics, and collaboration among various security agencies.

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