Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe (rtd), Commander, Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, said on Saturday that the corps in the different South-West states had achieved a lot in quelling crime in their domains in the zone.
Komolafe said, ”We (Amotekun Corps) came in at a time the South-West zone was battling with insecurity, but with much efforts and commitment, we have been able to bring the situation under control.”
The Ekiti Amotekun Commander, who spoke in Ado Ekiti while playing host to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B, said although the corps in the state had achieved a lot since establishment, it still needed to overcome some challenges for enhanced operations.
Komolafe said, “Since I assumed office, we have arrested 79 suspected kidnappers and handed them over to the police for prosecution. We have also successfully settled 63 cases of farmers-herders clashes.”
He disclosed that other suspects arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution included robbers, armed robbers, burglars, ritualists, rapists, human traffickers and others who allegedly committed sundry offences like obtaining by trick, stealing of goats, and fighting, etc.
The Amotekun boss, who called on residents of the state to give necessary information to the corps to ensure the arrest of criminals and prevent commission of crimes, however, said the security body needed additional operational vehicles, offices and personnel.
Earlier, the NUJ National Vice President, Ronke Afebioye, who lauded the corps for its consistent fight against kidnappers and bandits in the state, called on the state government to meet the various challenges of the security body “by equipping its men and officers with modern facilities and necessary logistics that can enhance their operations.”
Afebioye also called for the enactment of laws that would permit officers of the corps to carry weapon and as well prosecute suspects.
THE PUNCH
