….recruits 404 personnel into Amotekun, Anti-Grazing, Agro-Marshal corps
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on Friday said that the recruitment of personnel into the Amotekun, Anti-Grazing and Agro-Marshal corps will improve the security architecture in the state.
Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ise-Ekiti during the commissioning of 404 personnel into the state’s local security network following the conclusion of a three-week intensive training.
Oyebanji, represented by the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, rtd, reiterated the efforts of his administration in ensuring security of lives and property in the state.
The governor further stated that the investment into the state’s local security network is also aimed at addressing emerging security challenges, particularly at the grassroots level and farm settlements.
His words: “In the effort of the government to ensure security of lives and properties, the Governor considered it necessary to rejig the security architecture of the State by establishing additional informal security outfits that will have community participation to complement the effort of the former security agencies in the State.
“We’re all living witnesses to the State of security in the country ranging from boko haram activities, banditry, kidnapping, farmers / herders conflicts upto cyber crimes. In Ekiti State we have our own share of the insecurity. Although, the matching order issued to the security agencies has repositioned the security agencies in the State with ability to address the emerging security challenges in the State.
“It’s now time to ensure appropriate steps are taking to ensure a peaceful environment is created that will enable people to go about their business without hindrance and also to make Ekiti State investment friendly. Therefore the investment of the Governor on the recruitment and training of additional operatives of Amotekun, Agro Marshall and Grazing Marshal Corps is a good security strategy to reduce crimes in the State, protection of Lives and Property, protection of the Agric projects of the Governor and to ensure food security, enhance intelligence gathering and sharing.”
He called on residents of the state to support the project and the security agencies with timely information and necessary cooperations to fight the monsters and rid Ekiti communities of criminal activities.
The governor explained that the selection process began with the interview of various candidates forwarded from the local government areas adding that the successful candidates were shortlisted for the training.
“These candidates have gone through strenuous training that will enable them to function well in the field. They have gone through minor tactics, physical training and martial arts, weapon handling, rules of engagement among others.”
He charged them to discharge their duties effectively in line with the rule of law noting that adequate logistics have been made available to facilitate their operations and communication equipment have been procured to enhance mobility, early warning and quick response.
“Note carefully that your assignments can take you beyond your LGAs to anywhere within the State and some of you will be deployed to protect strategic facilities, farm settlements, clearance operations and otherwise directed by appropriate authority within the State.
“Let your conscience guide your actions as you will be required to give account of your stewardship when the need arises. The people will look upon you to protect them and not to intimidate them. Government will continue to support you, prioritise your welfare and your operational needs.”
The epoch-making event attracted dignitaries including local governments chairmen, various security operatives, traditional rulers, top government functionaries, among others.
