Gbenro Adesina
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday November 18, 2021, lauded the men of Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Operation Amotekun, saying that against all odds, they have served the state diligently.
Makinde stated this while unveiling the Amotekun Headquarters, Ibadan, situated at Agbaakin, old Moniya-Oyo Road to mark the first anniversary of the operationalisation of the state security outfit.
The Governor also presented cheques of N2.5million to each of the next of kin of the corps members who died in active service as well as giving awards to performing officers.
Speaking, Makinde pointed out that the outfit has become so integrated with the state internal security that it is hard to believe that they were operationalised just a year ago on November 18, 2020, adding that they are everywhere, in the city and rural areas ready to respond to distress calls.
He state that his administration had to work with DAWN Commission to ensuring that the idea of Amotekun is bought by the region, stressing that the outfit’s importance could no longer be underestimated.
He revealed that after signing the bill that established the corps into law, 150 personnel were recruited, adding that though the personnel already had security experience due to their engagement in community vigilante and neigbourhood watch, they were subjected to relevant training and operational procedures. “Since then they have been working under General Ajibola Toogun (RTD) and Colonel Bisiriyu Olayinka Olayanju (RTD) as Chairman and Commandant”, he said.
Makinde explained, “There were few hitches along the way. At some points, people called for the scrapping of the corps. This was not unexpected. Remember that Amotekun Corps was operationalised just as Nigeria was recovering from EndSARS protest. There was already a bad blood against who works as a security agent. So, it became imperative for us to ensure that the corps members never act beyond their constitutional power and authority. From time to time, we have punished erring officers. However, for the most part, members of the Amotekun corps have served our state diligently. Some of them have even paid the supreme price in a bid to secure our lives and property”.
“Yes, I had handed over cheques to the next of kin of the fallen heroes. I specially want to acknowledge these fallen heroes: Adenrele Muritala Adeyemi, 42, from Ibarapa Central, Adewuyi Nurudeen Olayiwola, 63, from Oluyole LG, Falola Friday, 60, from Ibarapa North, Michael Segun Olarinde, 56, Iwajowa, Sulaimon Quadri, 33, Atiba, Adeagbo Ibrahim, 55, Ibarapa North, Taiwo Olagbami, 35, Afijio, Salau Tajudeen Idowu, 53, Kajola, Bello Adijat Asuke, 31, Oyo East, Kamorudeen Abiola, 32, Oyo East, Azeez Ibarhim, Iwajowa, Tijani Sodiq Babatunde, 34, Atiba, Salau Sukurat, 35, Atiba. They are our heroes and Oyo State”, he added.
Charging the serving corps members not to relent in securing the state, Makinde stated, “I read your report and see your daily activities. We know you expose yourself to high risk situation. You confront ritualists, armed robbers, kidnappers, bandits, and other criminals, despite the constitutional restriction of the kind of weapons you can carry, you have chosen to do your part to keep us safe. We say thank you. I want you to know that each time you respond to a distress call, and make an arrest and hands over suspect to the police, you play a big role in making Oyo State safer for all of us. You make it possible for investors to have confidence in our state, ultimately, you do your part to ensure that we grow Oyo State economy. You are truly heroes and today, we celebrate you”.
He justified the citing of Amotekun office at Akinyele Area of the city, saying, “I specifically asked that headquarters of Amotekun be cited in Akinyele. The reason is that if you look at Ibadan today, you will think that the centre of Ibadan is at Dugbe. In 10 years time, I guarantee, the centre of Ibadan will be Akinyele Local Government. Akinyele Local Government will be our own Victoria Island and Ikoyi. It will be the richest LG in Oyo State. Though, I am from Ajia in Ona Ara LG, I will gladly ask to be adopted by Akinyele people”.
Pointing out that the crime rate has reduced in the state, particularly in the rural area of Ibarapa zone, he pledged, “On our part, we will continue to support you with the necessary equipment you need to carry out your duties”.
