The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has pledged to adopt a holistic, community-based approach to tackling insecurity, particularly in the state’s Oke-Ogun axis.
Adekanmbi pledged while appearing on the Good Morning Show on Arise TV, where he outlined his proposed security strategy if elected governor.
He said his administration would localise efforts to combat insecurity by actively engaging residents of communities affected by criminal activities.
According to him, the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, would be strengthened to improve its operational effectiveness, while capable residents of affected communities would be recruited to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
Adekanmbi also said his administration would collaborate with other recognised and community-based security organisations to strengthen the security architecture across the state.
The APM candidate identified the absence of reliable data on some residents in affected communities as another challenge that could undermine security efforts.
He said many people living in some of the communities were not properly accounted for, making it difficult for authorities to effectively monitor their identities and activities.
Adekanmbi said that, if elected, his administration would establish mechanisms for proper identification and data collection on residents, including information about their daily activities, as part of efforts to improve security monitoring.
He further pledged to work with traditional rulers, religious organisations and other relevant stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
Adekanmbi said the proposed approach would combine stronger state security structures with community participation and better intelligence gathering to address insecurity in the state.
The Governorship candidate noted that while serving as commissioner for finance in the government of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, he was able to handle the Ibadan urban flood programme, leading to commendation from the World Bank, adding that he also ensured that the state board of internal revenue was independent and was able to function maximally.
