In a bid to find solution to the security challenges in Ibarapa zone, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin on Thursday held a security summit.
The summit which was held at Primary School Teachers’ Plaza, Igboora had in attendance various stakeholders.
The summit, according to the speaker, was to X-ray the security loopholes, proffer inclusive, workable solutions and an approach that will complement the efforts of the government, in order to restore peace and security to Ibarapa land, as well as suggest ways to prevent such security crisis going forward.
Ibarapa zone of the state has been in the news over the weeks for kidnapping, banditry and others which have disrupt the peace in the zone.
Recall that recently, the popular Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as, Sunday Igboho, issued an ultimatum and quit notice to the Fulani Herdsmen in Ibarapa land.
The Speaker, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, while speaking, said the state government was ready to secure the lives of the people from miscreants.
He also promised the full implementation of the Anti Open rearing and grazing law, and also promised the residents of Ibarapa land swift response to their pleas.
He said “Since security is one of the cardinal essence of Government, I had before now been preoccupied with efforts to address the Insecurity in Ibarapaland and indeed Oyo State. We have raised and passed several motions on enhancing security in the House, and above all we have passed the anti-open hearing and grazing bill into law. Several meetings have been held with top Security officials in the State while one of our efforts is the deployment of Amotekun Corps to Ibarapaland.
“The latest effort is the approval given by the Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for the deployment of additional Amotekun Corps and other security personnel to Ibarapaland so that they can collectively wage total war against the criminals in our towns. They have been mandated to comb our forests, farms, villages, highways, and other places the Criminal elements may be hiding so that we can enjoy unhindered peace.
“This trying times and the palpable fear in our minds require that we remain stronger and united ever than before to defeat the daredevil criminals anywhere they may be.
“My worry and that of the present administration is not to allow the situation to degenerate into full blown crisis or war. We are surely not out to fight other nationalities living with us in the zone as they have the right as Nigerians to stay wherever they want, once they go about their lawful businesses and activities without infringing on the rights of others. But , we are ready to secure the lives of our people from miscreants, killers and bandits who are profiting from such inglorious and devilish ventures.”
Ogundoyin, however, maintained that another summit will hold at Ibarapa soon with the presence of the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
Speaking at the Summit, some caretaker Chairmen of local governments and local council development areas within Ibarapa axis explained the security challenges the Zone has been faced with.
Some Residents of Ibarapa land also shed light on their plights in the hands of the herders, bororos and fellow residents and called on the federal and state government to come to their aid to curb the menace.
Representing Real Farmers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Bolanle Oyinlola and the Chairman of Ayete Hunters, Comrade Sola Olalere, in separate interviews, said the state government should with immediate effect commence the full implementation of the Anti Open rearing and grazing 2019 law, accused Wakilu, another leader of the Fulani herdsmen of terrorizing them.
The Executive Assistant to the State Governor on security, CP Sunday Odukoya, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the summit, appealed to the residents to exercise patience with the state government.
He stated that the Governor has infused efforts and still working on how to address security issues in the State.
Also at the event were, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, as well as Special Duties, Mr Seun Fakorede and Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi, who called for collective efforts to stem insecurity in the State, and also promised youths engagements, especially in sports related activities.
