OSUN State government on Monday raised the alarm over shooting of one of its revenue collectors by illegal operators parading themselves as federal monitoring agents patrolling forest reserves who invaded the state and prevented state officials from conducting their lawful businesses of generating revenues.
The governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who raised the alarm in a statement in Osogbo, alleged that, the acclaimed federal monitoring patrol team launched “a vicious attack on state officials at the control post and shot one of them (in the foot).”
He stressed that the illegal operators further stopped revenue collection activities, hijacking state land and frustrating lawful operations of officials of the state government.
The government in the statement expressed concern that “these brazen and illegal activities have the backing of some compromised security agents who are obviously providing cover for them.”
The statement reads: “A recent experience lends credence to this as the illegal operators invaded a property of the Osun State government in Asejire with some mobile policemen, launching vicious attack on state officials at the control post and hitting one of them on the foot with a bullet shot.”
Rasheed added that “an alleged federal group has invaded and occupied lands around Owalla dams bulldozing the areas around the dams without any authorisation
“The group, when confronted, claimed to be acting on the directive of an unnamed federal group. It is to be noted that the land and the area are being managed by the water corporation.”
He described the alleged incursions as “crude, unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
“As a government, we strongly condemn the violence visited on state officials while discharging their lawful duties by illegal operators with the active participation of some compromised security agents.
“We call on the police authorities to fish out officers involved in this despicable act that threatens not just the peace of Osun State but also its economic stability.
“We also alert Mr President on the unhealthy development suspectedly being encouraged by some operatives of the opposition All Progressives Congress.
“It is important that we point out that the lands around the Owalla dams are being managed by the Water Corporation, putting the question on ownership beyond any doubt.”
“The state government has concluded plans to develop the dams area as a hinterland beach resort, and as such, unlock the economic benefits of the natural asset for the state.”
He added that while the state government is ready to cooperate with any federal government agencies for the betterment of Osun citizenry, it sternly warns against the encroachment of assets belonging to the state government “as we will be willing to take every necessary action to keep every asset of the state away from abuse.”
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