In a bid to ensure the safety of its residents, the Oyo State Government has launched a comprehensive security plan to tackle the growing threat of banditry in the state.
This move comes amidst reports of bandits infiltrating the state from northern Nigeria.
During a press briefing after the state’s Joint Security Council meeting, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde assured citizens that the government would leave no stone unturned in securing the state.
The meeting, presided over by Governor Makinde, brought together top security officials, including ComPol. Fatai Owoseni (Rtd), Special Adviser on Security to the Governor.
Owoseni urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear, emphasizing that the state government would do everything possible to protect lives and property.
He attributed the state’s robust security synergy to the collaboration among security agencies, which has left bandits and other criminal elements with nowhere to hide.
To further strengthen security, the Council plans to hold expanded meetings incorporating local government chairmen and traditional rulers.
This move aims to take security to the grassroots, leveraging the proximity of local government administration and traditional rulers to the people.
In addition to security measures, the Council discussed decongesting correctional centers and plans to invoke the state’s power of prerogative of mercy to release some inmates.
The health and wellbeing of correctional center inmates were also addressed, with a recommendation to enroll them in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme.
Other officials present at the briefing included the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo; Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Ayodele Sonubi; and the Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, CC Jaiyeoba Babafemi.
