Makinde Commends Army, Other Security Agencies For Keeping Peace In Oyo

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has praised the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for maintaining peace in the state.

Governor Makinde made this statement on Monday when he met with Major-General Obinna Onubogu, 46th General Officer Commanding of the 2 Mechanised Division, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat.

The governor, who used the occasion to shed light on the suspected Yoruba Nation agitators’ invasion of the Government Secretariat last Saturday, described how the state’s effective security system quickly brought the aggressors to their knees.

Makinde praised the state’s security agencies for their roles in stopping and apprehending the invaders, stating that the emergency security response system was activated and worked flawlessly to contain the situation on time.

He thanked the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their quick response in apprehending the agitators, noting that, while there were security gaps, what the miscreants encountered was beyond their expectations.

“During what happened on Saturday, the Emergency Security Response was activated, and it worked. The response was quick and timely, and I believe the hoodlums and miscreants encountered something beyond their expectations. Within an hour, everything had been brought under control.

“Let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and the other security agencies in the state. Everyone responded on time, and we appreciate it.

“In response to the unfortunate incident, I can only say that we must win both the war and the peace. It is a challenging time.

“Anyone in a position of authority in this country, whether military, political, or governmental, as well as people leading in our communities, is being challenged at this time because, as a leader, if the people you are leading are hungry and angry, we must work together to reduce some of the causative agents of this type of situation.”

The governor urged the new GOC to maintain the positive relationship between the 2 Mechanised Division and the government, as well as between the Division and the state’s people.

He also stated that his administration would spare no expense in securing the state and would continue to do everything possible to secure Oyo State by collaborating effectively with the Army and other security agencies in the state.

According to the governor, his vision for the state’s development through the four pillars of education, health, security, and economic expansion through agribusiness, tourism, and solid mineral development cannot be realised in an insecure environment.

“The relationship between the government, the people of Oyo State, and the Division has resulted in a relatively stable Oyo State. Please, do not give up.”

He went on to say, “We must consider not only how to respond kinetically to the situation in which we find ourselves, but also what we must do to achieve peace.

“So, I welcome you to your state, and I will meet with you on a working level so that we can see all of the gaps, investigate a few of the recommendations we have, and implement them.”

Speaking earlier, Major-General Onubogu stated that the warm reception he received demonstrated the cordial relationship that has always existed between the Oyo State government and the Nigerian army.

Onubogu thanked Governor Makinde for his years of support for the Division and assured the government and residents of the state that the Army would continue to work with sister security agencies to protect Oyo State and its people.

He stated, “We are indeed in a period of security challenges, and I want to commiserate with you and the good people of Oyo State regarding the invasion of the Secretariat by some self-proclaimed irredentists on April 13, 2024.

“This incident is unfortunate because it demonstrates that despite the peace that exists in Oyo State, there are still sons and daughters of South-West Nigeria who are determined to challenge Oyo State, the entire South-West, and Nigeria as a whole.

“I have taken note of some of the gaps that preceded this incident, and I want to assure you that under my leadership, we will do our part to ensure that such a situation does not occur again.

“Now that our adversaries have made their intentions clear, it would be foolish of us not to refocus and ensure the safety of the people of Oyo.”

Professor Olanike Adeyemo, Secretary to the State Government; Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor; CP Fatai Owoseni (retd), Special Adviser on Security to the Governor; Col. James Ajibola (retd), DG of Operation Burst; and Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd), DG of Amotekun Corps, attended the reception.

The GOC was accompanied by the top echelon of the 2 Mechanised Division.