-Emmanuel Oluwadola
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Friday donated 50 fitted patrol vehicles to security agencies to prevent insecurity in the State.
Governor Akeredolu distributed the vehicles at the Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure, to Heads of Security Agencies of the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Police Force; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Department of State Service; and the Amotekun Corps.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, the Governor reiterated that the commissioning and handing over of the patrol vehicles were to provide needed support for security agencies to apprehend criminals from their hidings in the State.
The Governor further said the memory of the incident of attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, in Owo cannot be easily erased, hence, the need to equip security agencies to combat a recurrence of such inhumane on mankind.
“We still recall with trepidation the dastardly act of last month when some daredevil terrorists who have lost their souls to the devil launched an attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa in the ancient city of Owo.”
“Today, it gives me great delight to commission and hands over additional security equipment particularly fitted Patrol Vehicles, to security agencies operating in the State towards boosting the capacity of our men in the line of duty of crime fighting so that our people can go about their businesses and livelihood without fear of molestation or attack,” the statement said.
Governor Akeredolu remarked that his administration is always ready to prioritize the safety of lives and property of the people and also make the Ondo State uncomfortable for identified criminals to perpetrate evil.
“We are prepared to make Ondo State uncomfortable and too hot for any identified criminals to hibernate.
“Therefore, these vehicles will be deployed to relevant security agencies in charge of internal security to enable them function more effectively and efficiently. Our Key Performance Indicator shall remain a Zero Tolerance to Crime of whatever dimension.” the Governor noted.
Present at the event is the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; the Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the State, Rt. Rev Daniel Ayodeji, where they commended the Governor for his efforts at securing the lives and property of the people.
However, they further called for the establishment of a State Police and better empowerment for the Amotekun Corps to be able to bear arms to complement the efforts of the security agencies in fighting crimes.
The Chairman of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, who condemned the June 5, Owo attack, commended Governor Akeredolu for his bold steps in securing the lives and property of the people.
Chief Chen said that CIG Motors is ready to partner with the Ondo State Government towards strengthening the State’s security and that the people of Ondo State should support the security agencies in achieving the desired results.
“It is important for the people to come out and say we are not afraid,” she said.
