Just In : Government Tightens Noose Against Criminals, Distributes Gadgets to Security Agencies

The Ekiti State government has distributed gadgets to security outfits operating within the state in a firm commitment to eliminate criminal activities.

The government emphasized the need for more decisive and determined actions to completely eradicate kidnappers and assailants from the state.

Characterizing the fight against kidnappers and other criminals as all-encompassing, the government urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in ensuring the safety of Ekiti residents. It emphasized that no effort would be spared to put an end to the senseless abduction and killing of citizens under any circumstance.

Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Ekiti State Deputy Governor made these remarks in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, during the distribution of safety gadgets to heads of security agencies in the state.

Still reeling from the tragic killings of two traditional rulers and the abduction of school children by gunmen, Mrs. Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, emphasized that the distribution of safety gadgets was one of the proactive measures being implemented by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to bolster the capabilities of security agencies.

The Deputy Governor revealed that the materials were supplied by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government to enhance security measures and deter criminals who pose a threat to the state.

Expressing that Governor Oyebanji is passionate about providing adequate security and alleviating the sufferings of victims of natural and man made disasters, Mrs Afuye, revealed that a staggering sum of N45 million was distributed to those who fell victim of such occurrences in 2023 .

“Action that Governor Oyebanji wants tight security in Ekiti was in display recently when he had to travel far and near for the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers as well as the arrest of some of the killers of two traditional rulers in Ekiti.

“However, in the fulfilment of this administration’s promise to be responsive, Governor Oyebanji has approved over N45m to victims of fire and rainstorm disasters as collated and recommended by SEMA in year 2023.

“I want to appeal to our security agencies here today to step up their games and positively utilise the gadgets released to them to provide security cover that will be enough to safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.

“To us as a government, war against criminal elements is total and we shall pursue this with every constitutional means available to guarantee safety of our citizens”.

In his submission, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Oludare Asaolu, applauded the federal government for partnering the state government for the distribution of cash gift and relief materials to victims of fire and rainstorm disasters in Ekiti.

“You may recall that between January and February, 2024, school pupils and their teachers were kidnapped and two traditional rulers killed in our state. These ugly incidents led to the declaration of state of emergency on security by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

“The combined efforts of Governor Oyebanji and security agencies yielded positive results in the release of the pupils , their teachers and the arrest of some of the killers of the two traditional rulers.

“Let me appreciate the federal government for the release of the security gadgets to security agencies to boost the morale of our security officers who are fighting day and night to curb insecurity across the state.

“What you are getting today is a support from government to boost your morale and productivity in safeguarding lives and property of all Ekiti residents”.

Signed:
Victor Ogunje
Special Assistant on Media
Office of the Deputy GovernorThe