- Commends Amotekun, other security agencies on crime reduction
Alarmed by the violence and destruction unleashed on Omolege, a serene agrarian community in Ose Local Government area of Ondo State by unknown gunmen, the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
Similarly he promised that the arsonists when arrested will be treated like criminals assuring that such a dastardly incident would not reoccurred or be tolerated in any part of the state.
Akeredolu stated this on Sunday when he visited Omolege, the state’s popular yam depot, where some gunmen allegedly numbering about 50, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed three people and razed down several houses in the community overnight.
He charged security agents to fish out the perpetrators, their sponsors and collaborators, assuring the community that such incident will not be allowed in any part of Ondo State.
During the attack which took place on Thursday’s night, the community head was also killed, while other villagers took to their heels.
Akeredolu, who commiserated with the people over the death of their loved ones, particularly the community head, said no government would be happy with the unwarranted killings of the people.
The Governor visited the scene in company of the state Commissioner of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi; Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye; and members of the State Executive Council.
Akeredolu, while describing the attacks on the community as unfortunate, vowed that concerted efforts would be made to ensure that such attack does not reoccur.
He charged the people to be prepared, nothing that the herdsmen are becoming too problematic. We are not sleeping. You can see Police and Amotekun here. With this one they have done, we will ensure that it is their last evil act here.
“Those behind this are criminals. Those supporting them are all criminals too. Anyone who commits crime will answer for it. The Police and Amotekun with other security agencies will set out and bring them to justice. We will treat them like criminals.
“Both the Police and Amotekun have briefed me that they were being shot at. But for their boldness and courage, the criminals would have over powered them.
“I want to assure you, don’t be scared. Three people died here. But we are still on their trail. They have ran to Edo now. But for the houses that were razed down, government will bring relief materials. We will rebuild the ones razed completely, ” Akeredolu said.
Earlier, the Akarigbo of Ute Land, Chief Felix Olabode, narrated how the ugly incident happened.
He said:”I was home when we heard that some gunmen came here and killed people here. We came here immediately, we met a dead body. These buildings have not been razed.
“When we alerted the Police, the DPO came and we didn’t know that those people were still around. Not less than 30 minutes after the Police evacuated the dead bodied, the gunmen came back and razed these buildings down.
“They used guns to scare people away, and then brought their cows to graze on people’s farm and drink water. When they are leaving too, they also use guns to scare people away and left. We have seen the level of damage. People have left here. We are begging the government to come to our rescue.”
The Coordinator of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) in the area, Folorunso Olofe disclosed that the gunmen were always attacking the people with AK 47.
“This has been happening for long. They are always coming with AK 47, they were more than 50 . One Amotekun officer was hit with a bullet during the attack. They came and killed the Baale. Police came and evacuated the dead bodies and not up to 15 minutes, they came back and razed this place, ” he narrated.
According to the villagers, the gunmen attacked the community following the refusal of the residents to allow the herdsmen to graze on their farmlands.
Meanwhile, the governor has commended Amotekun and other security agencies on crime reduction
He described the sacrifices of Military Personnel and other security agencies in the country as the zenith of patriotism.
Akeredolu said the security personnel signed away their lives, comfort and family bond to gladly defend the territorial integrity of the country, adding that they sometimes pay the supreme sacrifice.
This is coming as the Governor disclosed that his administration is not ready to retrench workers in the state despite the financial burden the state is bearing, saying government would continue to look inwards and find a way of meeting its financial obligations.
He spoke at a Church Service commemorating the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure, the Ondo state capital.
Akeredolu added that the Remembrance Day Celebration was to honour the departed heroes and appreciate the living ones, saying some of whom are exposed to various deprivations in the course of their services to humanity.
The Governor, again solicited generous support for the widows and dependents of the fallen heroes as well as for those who are still alive, but physically challenged.
“I enjoin all of you to donate generously through the Emblem appeal fund. It goes without saying that the proceeds from the sale of emblems are strictly for the Nigerian Legion in order for them to cater for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and the dependants of the fallen heroes.” The Governor noted.
He called on the people to conduct themselves in the most peaceful and patriotic manner and also assist the security agencies in any way possible, in securing the sunshine State.
Akeredolu disclosed that the collaborative efforts between “Amotekun Corps” and the regular security agencies in the State have reduced to barest minimum incidences of crime, and ensured that the State remains relatively peaceful.
Earlier in his sermon, entitled, “Remember me o’ God and my Deeds”, the Diocesan Bishop of Ondo, Rt. Rev Stephen Oni, said it was always good to remember those who fought for peace and unity of the country, just as he appreciated God for still keeping the country together in the face of obvious challenges.
The Bishop who explained that Nigeria is going through a terrible situation, and that our unity is being threatened every day, however, prayed God not to allow the country to sink.
While bemoaning the wanton killings, maiming and kidnapping of innocent souls in the country as well as high rate of youth unemployment, the Bishop specifically applauded the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for always standing by his people by protecting their lives and properties.
He also stressed the need to restructure the country to address various agitations, even as he called on President Muhammadu Bihari to sign the Electoral Act into law in the interest of the nation’s electoral system.
The Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State, Brigadier General Yakubu Yahaya, represented by his Chief of Staff, Charles Zebere, who appreciated all for their support for both the serving and the fallen heroes, also promised that the armed forces would continue to do their best to sustain the peace and unity of the country.
Highlights of the event were thanksgiving, intercessory prayers for the country, the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes.
In an interview with The Hope shortly after the Service, the State Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development,Dr Mrs Julianah Osadahun eulogised the forces who served and are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide assuring that the government will continue to support dependants of the fallen heroes.
She appreciated God for the peace in the State and for keeping Nigeria intact as one entity, calling on people to continue to raise funds for the support of Widows and children of the fallen heroes through the sales of emblems.
In his remarks, the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade,Akure, Brigadier General Y .Yahaya said that the roles played by the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure peace and unity in the country cannot be overemphasized and prayed that God gives those of them alive the strength to carry on.
Also speaking, the State Chairman, Nigeria legions, Col. Olu Apata (RTD) called on President Mohammadu Buhari and the present administration in the state not to relent in supporting members in terms of welfare.
The Hope
