Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pleaded with the Nigerian Army to join forces with other security agencies in the state to secure the border towns against the activities of armed bandits. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who observed the activities of bandits in border towns of the state with Kogi and Edo states, said the job of ensuring ‘tight security’ should not be left in the hands of the police, civil defence and Amotekun alone. 

He spoke while playing host to, the General Officer, the Commanding 2 Division, Nigeria Army, Ibadan, Oyo State, Major General Obinna Onuborgu, who led other military personnel to his office in Akure, the state capital. 

He stated, “We have some peculiar situations in the state (Ondo), especially our borders with Edo and others. The army has always been there to support us anytime there are kidnappings because the police alone cannot do the job.

“We will continue to encourage and support the synergy of the military, police, civil defence and our home-grown security outfit, Amotekun Corps, to enhance our security and protect our borders,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said on Tuesday. 

The governor highlighted the efforts of his administration toward ensuring optimal security through the support of conventional security agencies, including the army.

Appreciating the visit, the Ondo governor who noted that the state had been enjoying maximum support from the military, however, reminded the army personnel of the forthcoming governorship poll in the state. 

He pleaded for neutrality in carrying out their security job during the exercise.  

Remarking, Mr Onuborgu lauded the governor for his support to the army and other security agencies towards sustaining the status of Ondo as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

He noted that he took over the Division on March 13, covering seven states, including Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ondo states, stressing that he was in the state to listen to the army officers and mostly on issues of their welfare. 

“I am here to see my troops across the length and breadth of Ondo State to encourage them and to assess the security situation in the state. I have been well briefed by the brigade commander and other security agencies,” Mr Onuborgu said.