Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo inaugurated the board of the State Security Network and Amotekun corps amid worsening insecurity in the state.

The inauguration, which took place at the executive council chamber of the governor’s office, has Brig.-Gen. Kunle Togun (retd.) as chairman of the board, with Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) as the commandant.

The board also has Enitan Akinbode as the secretary, while the police commissioner in the state, NSCDC commandant, representative of the armed forces, executive secretary of State Security Trust Fund, and executive assistant to the governor on security matters are members.

Also on the board are representatives from the state’s three senatorial districts, with Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Oladapo Oyediran, representing the traditional council.

In his remarks, Mr Makinde said the inauguration of the board “would enhance more visible actions in securing the state” and foster a better relationship between Oyo Amotekun and other South-West states.

According to him, one reason for establishing Amotekun is to bring security operatives closer to the people.

Mr Makinde added that since the state police currently demanded was a constitutional issue, Amotekun would continue to complement the efforts of the conventional security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.

He noted that despite Amotekun operatives’ challenges, they had successfully filled the gap of local policing. The governor appealed to those politicising the security in the state to work with him.

Mr Makinde promised he would continue to take the security of lives and property seriously so that people would be able to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

The governor urged the general public to give total support to the security operatives, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.

“The issue of security is not that of the governor or the government alone. Everybody needs to play his or her part,” the governor said.

(NAN)