Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured residents that the State remains safe, peaceful and secured, stressing that his government has taken decisive steps to strengthen intelligence gathering, tighten surveillance across all borders and communities, as well as ensure that criminal elements find no space to operate anywhere within the State.
Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance in Ikogosi-Ekiti on Thursday, shortly after a meeting with some heads of security agencies in the State. He said his government would not relent in progressively scaling up security architecture in and around the State, adding that the meeting was part of his administration’s on-going efforts to keep the State secured against any potential threat and to improve inter-agency coordination and collaboration.
Explaining that the safety and wellbeing of residents was paramount to him, Governor Oyebanji said he had to cut short his leave to personally meet the security chiefs in view of current development in some parts of the country. He said further that all efforts are being put in place to ensure Ekiti does not serve as a refuge for criminals.
While commending the security agencies for their unity, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the State, the Governor appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community participation remains vital to the success of security operations.
The Governor also commended the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leaving no stone unturned in the bid to secure the country.
“Well, we are elected to serve the people and though I’m on leave, but with what is happening around borders and neighbouring states, there is a need for me to cut short the leave, come back home and meet with our security chiefs and we just had a meeting where they briefed me on what they are doing, and I’m so grateful to them for being professional and for securing the State. So, I’m comfortable and I’m at peace with what they have told us.
“They have assured us that the State will be protected and whatever it takes to make them do that, we shall continue to offer them.
“As far as we are concerned, Ekiti State is peaceful and we are on track. Most of those issues cannot be discussed here. But we are on track and satisfied with the reports that we have received and they will go back also to scale up security around the state and I also appeal to our people to help us with intelligence. No matter how well intentioned they are, the quality of intelligence they get is extremely important. If you see something, say something”, the Governor urged the residents.
Also in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), commended the Governor for his proactive approach in addressing security concerns in the State. He said the Governor’s decision to cut short his leave in order to meet with the service chiefs demonstrated a high level of commitment to protecting the lives and properties of people in the State.
General Ogundana said it was for proactive measures of this nature that Ekiti has earned the reputation of being the safest state in the country, adding that concerted efforts are being made to ensure that the state remains safe and secured.
