The executive governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, raised concerns on Wednesday about illicit mining, banditry, kidnapping, and other vices in the Oke-Ogun area and across the state.
Makinde stated this while hosting the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, and South West Zone, Abiodun Alabi, at the Conference Hall of the Secretary to the State Government, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, voiced alarm about the threat in the region and other parts of the state.
According to Makinde, there were reports of kidnappings on the Igbeti-Igboho road on Wednesday, and a driver of an unnamed vehicle was killed on the same route a while back.
He stated that while the illegal miners were depleting the resources of the state through nefarious acts, the kidnappers and perpetrators of other acts were making the affected areas unsafe for the dwellers.
“The perpetrators of the heinous act have infiltrated the forest in the northern part of the state.
“They have turned the forest into their haven, where they launch attacks at the dwellers and passersby.
“The long forest berth in the Oke-Ogun area is where reported cases of kidnapping and abduction take place. We are calling on the police to intensify their efforts at arresting the situation.
“Also, the police authorities should provide necessary logistics for the mobile police station at Ago Are for optimal performance,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Alabi stated that his visit was intended to engage with police and stakeholders on the security situation and propose solutions.
At the state police command headquarters in Eleyele, the DIG met with key stakeholders and emphasised the importance of teamwork.
“The goal of zero tolerance for crimes and criminalities is achievable. I want to urge you all to cooperate with the police and provide useful information,” he said.
