Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has warned against stigmatisation of any particular ethnic group on the increasing spate of kidnappings, killings and other security challenges in Ibarapa and Oke Ogun areas of the state.
The governor handed down the warning Monday while addressing the people of Idere and Igangan in Ibarapaland in continuation of his visit to the area.
He cautioned that rather than stigmatising any particular ethnic group, residents in Ibarapa and Oke Ogun areas should search out the real enemies who are the kidnappers, bandits, rapists, hoodlums and armed robbers.
Governor Makinde stated that it was glaring that the failure of communication, intelligence gathering and other factors led to the escalation of the crisis in the area adding that henceforth political office holders, community leaders and stakeholders in the area should be treating emergency situations as sensitive and bring such to the attention of government on time.
Specifically, the governor mandated political leaders in Ibarapa and Oke Ogun areas of the state not to shy away from seeking audience with him wherever there is a gap that must be bridged.
The governor assured that Oyo state government will succeed in routing kidnappers and criminals in Ibarapa and Oke Ogun axis of the state, adding, “We are turning the heat on the criminal elements and we will surely get them.”
He stated that any action that must be taken must be guided by the realisation that a wrong solution must not be proffered in order to avoid unintended consequences. He said government will compensate victims of the insecurity situation in Ibarapaland.
“I decided to spend the night in Ibarapaland so as to let you know that if my people in this place cannot sleep with two eyes closed, I cannot also sleep with my two eyes closed in Ibadan. One of the things we want to do is have a peace and security committee at the local government level, which will be all encompassing.
“Those people that are supposed to be there and can contribute meaningfully must be accommodated. So, I have listened to you. I came here purposely to sleep over to demonstrate that your problem is also my problem. If you cannot sleep with your two eyes closed, I also have no business sleeping with my two eyes closed in Ibadan.”
