Residents of Ido-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government Area in Ekiti have asked the state’s governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, to give priority to security and residents safety.

A cross-section of residents who spoke with reporters on Sunday lamented that insecurity in Ekiti was causing unrest and setbacks to their farming and businesses.

One of the residents, Bode Ogunniyi, a farmer, appealed to Mr Oyebanji to find a lasting solution to the challenges in the state when he assumes office.

Mr Ogunniyi explained that the fear of  kidnappers and gunmen had prevented him from visiting his farms for the past two months because his family did not have money to pay for ransom.

He advised the governor-elect to empower the security agencies with the necessary logistics and support to curb crimes during his administration.

Another resident, Adebimpe Babalola, a civil servant, urged Mr Oyebanji to consider the safety of the people and take proactive measures to stop kidnapping in the state.

She advised the governor-elect to curb crimes such as kidnappings, killings, extortion and ensure that all the perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

Foluso Ogunrinde, a commercial driver, appealed to the governor-elect to empower the security agencies and provide proper welfare for them.

Mr Ogunrinde noted that security agencies were not properly motivated and encouraged to fight against kidnapping in Ekiti.

Another resident, Felicia Oguntuase, a retired civil servant, said insecurity had caused a setback to production of food stuffs as the farmers were no longer safe to visit their farms.

Ms Oguntuase appealed to the governor-elect to have a better mindset to curb kidnappings and other crimes in the state.

Mr Oyebanji will be sworn-in as the next Governor of Ekiti state on October 16.

(NAN)