Rising from Blueprint Newspaper report on the cases of kidnapping and Banditry in Ogun State, the state Governor Thursday inaugurated the Joint Security Outfit, code named ‘Amotekun’ to fight criminality in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Arcade Ground of the Governors Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Gov. Abiodun stated that with the inauguration, no part of Ogun State will be a safe-haven for criminals and criminality in whatever form or guise.
In his words, ” Let me at this juncture reiterate and say unequivocally that no part of Ogun State will be a safe-haven for criminals and criminality in whatever form or guise.
“Let those who think that they can come into Ogun State with criminal tendencies have a quick rethink. Ogun State will never be a home for criminals, whether big or small.
“We will smoke them out, arrest them and hand them over to the swift hand of justice.
“This is a very strong note of warning to anybody, landlords or tenants. Any property found to be serving as hideouts to criminals will not only be taken over by government, but such facility will also be demolished.
“Whoever is found to be harbouring kidnappers, ritualists, robbers or any criminals will be arrested and handed over for prosecution.
“There has been spates of incidents of kidnapping in the State in the last one week or so with Nigerians and Chinese Nationals as victims. Through combined efforts of our security agencies working with locals, some of the victims have been rescued whilst some are still being held by the kidnappers.
“I want to assure you all that no effort will be spared to rescue safely the remaining victims. In the same vein, a number of initiatives are being put together to stem this ugly tide of kidnapping and indeed all other forms of criminality in the State”.
Abiodun however assured that the operatives of the Amotekun security outfit have been carefully chosen and trained, adding that his administration is providing the outfit with take-off security vehicles, motorcycles and communication devices.
“We are also providing other necessary logistics, technical backstopping and political will for an effective take-off and efficient operation.
“The provision of equipment and recruitment of personnel will be a continuous exercise. As they say, “to whom much is given, much is expected”.
“I expect nothing less than a superlative performance of duties from our operatives. They must diligently add value to strengthen the security of lives and property in Ogun State.
“In doing this, the operatives of the Amotekun are also expected to carry out their duties within the ambit of the provisions of the law establishing the outfit. “You are also subject to the law, not above the law. Let the rule of law be your watchword and ensure that you respect the rights of citizens and residents of the State”, Abiodun stressed
