Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has raised alarm over the rising spate of kidnapping, bandits attack and armed robbery in the state and neighboring states in the South West saying it is a great cause for worry to him and the good people of the area.
He raised the alarm at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai just as he requested the COAS to approve the deployment of troops for a joint patrol outfit to tackle the security challenges.
The Governor commended the COAS for approving the construction of a Bridge across the Osun River to Ede, which will greatly assist the state by boosting the economic wellbeing on the people.
He said, “I am here also to bring to your knowledge, that the spate of crime is increasing in Osun and around us. It is giving me a serious cause for concern and as you know, the primary function of government is to ensure security for the people for ecominc progress and development.
“To address these challenges, the state (Osun) has decided to establish a joint patrol operation comprising the Police, Nigerian Army and the NSCDC. I have written to your office in this regard but I deemed it important to come see the Army leadership due to the concern I attach to tackling these security challenges.
Gov Oyetola added, “Though we in Osun State are challenged by paucity of funds, we are prepared to support the security agencies with vehicles, equipment because crime is on the increase. I assure you (COAS) that we will not renege in supporting the agencies”.
The governor also commended the Nigerian Army for the great service the force has done in helping tackle insecurity pointing out that Boko Haram has been seriously degraded with only some attacks on soft targets to claim relevance.
Responding, Lt. General Buratai congratulated the Governor for his election victory noting that he was aware of the efforts the Governor had put in place so far to ensure security of lives and property of Osun people.
Buratai said, “Your presence here today shows the level of commitment you have for the security of the state. We will do everything possible to support the effort because fighting crime is part of our constitutional responsibility.
“The Bridge which we are about to commence construction is part of our corporate social responsibility to communities where our formations and units are located. It is a way of making the community knowledgeable about what the Nigerian Army is doing and bringing the people closer.
“We have so much capability in terms of road construction, engineering. We are doing constructions in Anambra state, Enugu state, Kebbi state, NNPC. We have professionals that will deliver quality works to states and it will be cheaper.
“It is also to show that we have the capacity especially the Nigerian Army Engineers to carry out such works if needed. We are not going to spend much. It is part of our corporate social responsibilities.
“It is to win the hearts and support of the people that we carry out such non kinetic operations like Medical outreaches, supporting schools and building bridges”.
“Your request (troops for joint patrol) is well understood. Joint operations apart from the North East and other places which we are embarking on, We are constitutional empowered for it to achieve security. We must do it responsibility. We will do everything to ensure the Army unit in Osun is properly equipped.
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