Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for the establishment of a trans-regional security taskforce to curtail growing cross-border criminality in the South West.
He made the call when the General Officer Commanding, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro, paid him a courtesy visit.
The GOC led members of his team including the Commander of Engineering Construction Command Ede, among others to the state as part of efforts to familiarize himself with the operational procedures in states under his command.
A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed that while welcoming the Army chief, Adeleke said the visit was very significant and a great opportunity to strengthen the security strategy on the sustenance of the current peace and stability not just in Osun but in the entire region.
Adeleke, therefore, called for the establishment of a regional task force to track and curb cross-border criminality in the Southwest and other areas under his Command.
While calling for a symbiotic working relationship between the state government and the GOC, Adeleke assured the military team that Osun is the home of hospitality where no one is discriminated against based on tribe, ethnicity, or religion.
The governor lauded the commander of the Engineering Construction Regiment, Ede Army Barrack, Brig. Gen. K F Sulaimon for a wonderful job in securing the state saying that the knowledge of the military barrack in Ede is enough deterrent to criminals who might be scouting for a place to perpetuate their criminal activities.
In his remark, Major General Okoro lauded the governor for creating a safe and secure environment for residents to live and conduct lawful businesses.
He said he found out that Osun is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and therefore commended the governor for his huge investment in securing the lives and property of the people.
Okoro described Osun as lucky with the presence of the Engineering Construction Command, Ede, which is full of Army engineers, specialists, and combatants that contribute to the security architecture of the state.
He commended the government and people of Osun State for creating a stable and secure environment.
