Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said, on Wednesday, that the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, is the state’s local response to crime and criminality.
The governor also stated that the states of the South-West are ready to combat crimes through the security agency, which was initially launched in January 2020 as a South-West regional security outfit to combat crimes in collaboration with the police and other federal security agencies.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, quoted the governor as saying this while speaking at the Passing-Out Parade of the 1,500 pioneer Amotekun Corps, held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo.
He added that the six states of the region would fight a common enemy- elements who appear determined to cause commotion and perpetuate crimes.
He highlighted the efforts of his government in improving the security sector by supporting the federal security agencies in the state with the provision of patrol vehicles, communication gadgets and other logistic support.
He added that the approval and establishment of a Police Mobile Force 72 Squadron at Ago-Are, Oke Ogun area of the state by the Inspector-General of Police, as well as provision of vehicles and logistic support for the squadron was another step taken by his administration to boost security, adding that the government has equally requested for another Police Mobile Force base in Oyo town.
Governor Makinde, who noted that state policing is the way forward to tackle insecurity in the nooks and crannies of the country, said the Amotekun initiative by the South-West remained the next best thing in the absence of state police, as, according to him, it would help to fight crimes in the nooks and crannies of the society.
He, however, expressed confidence that advocates of state police would, one day, get enough support at the national level to achieve the constitutional review.
He charged the Corps to exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties, adding that none of them must be seen harassing individuals.
The governor also stated that the Agency will also be involved in routine day and night patrols on major roads and remote areas, as its members will be drafted to all the 351 wards in Oyo State.
He warned members of the corps to be of good conduct and display excellent behaviour at all times.
Governor Makinde reiterated his position that he should be held responsible for the conduct of the Amotekun Corps in the state, saying: “As I said during one of my speeches following the End SARS protests, this is one outfit that I can boldly say, and I am saying it, ‘hold me responsible for the actions of the members.
“Therefore, let me state that you, 1,500 pioneers of the Amotekun Corps, must remain excellent examples in service.
“You are to work for the people. You are not called to harass or intimidate the people. Instead, exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of your duties. Remember that there are limits to your authority, and always follow directives from the chain of command.
“We have appointed two qualified men as chairman and commandant of the Amotekun Corps, the persons of retired General Ajibola Kunle Togun and retired Colonel Olayanju Olayinka. We also have other eminent persons on the board. I am confident that under them, the Amotekun Corps will live up to their objectives.”
Earlier, in his remarks, the Commandant of the Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd ), promised to work effectively to secure the lives and properties of the people in the state.
“We promise you that we are ready to work hand in hand. They are well-informed and well-equipped to take care of how they conduct themselves and relate with other security agencies,” he said.
