The Iseyin Development Union (IDU) has lauded the appointment of General Kunle Togun (Rtd) as Chairman, Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun as one that signals an end to herdsmen’s invasion of farmlands in the state.
Describing Togun as a round peg in the round hole, the group said the appointment of Togun was one that would make many rethink their decision to leave farming due to incessant herds of cattle destroying their crops.
The body, in a statement signed by its National President, Mr Bayo Raji, said Togun’s military background, his commitment to community policing and security in Oke-Ogun area were enough credentials to combat challenges that farmers face.
IDU especially urged Togun to bring an end to recurring destruction of farmlands across the state and be forthright in tackling various challenges facing rural communities.
In addition, the group urged residents of the state to support Amotekun with credible information and intelligence, noting that the outfit was poised to help eradicate crime and guarantee peace in the state.
“When I heard of the appointment, I was very elated because General Togun has been a very dynamic leader of Oke-Ogun, maybe because of his military background. The appointment is what they call a round peg in a round hole.
ALSO READ: Lawmaker builds bungalow for three childless widows in Nnewi
“Since his retirement, he has been so active on the issue of community policing and security in the Oke-Ogun axis and Oyo State generally, I have no doubt that he is a good ambassador of Oke-Ogun and he is going to perform beyond the expectation of the governor who has reposed so much confidence in him.
“Amotekun should serve as our own community police in the sense that it is we at the grassroots that know where the shoe pinches, the challenge posed by cattle rustlers and cow herders that usually destroy farms and the local economy will be laid to rest through the operation of Amotekun.
“Agriculture has suffered in Oke-Ogun because people are afraid of endless destruction that some cow herders visit on hapless farmers, I know many people want to go into farming after retirement, so if they pump their gratuity and pension into the venture and one day, cows destroyed everything, it will not augur well.
“Similarly, the issue of monitoring crime at the local level will be well looked into by this outfit, Amotekun has come to stay and to guarantee peace, I am sure that there will be total eradication of crime in the state, we want people to give maximum support to the outfit when they commence operation, giving prompt information that will ease investigation and arrest of hoodlums is the key,” Raji said.
Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, had recently appointed the duo of General Ajibola Kunle Togun and retired Colonel Olayanju Bisiriyu Olayinka as chairman and commandant, respectively, of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Buy and read digital replicas of your TRIBUNE titles by subscribing through E-VENDING
South-West Attorney Generals Meet, To Harmonise Region’s Laws
The Attorney Generals of the six South-West states held their first virtual meeting since the coronavirus pandemic and deliberated on issues pertaining to the effective administration of justice in the region. The meeting which was facilitated by the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda… Read full story
COVID-19: Inter-State Lockdown Breaks Down
There is a brewing anxiety over apparent breakdown of the lockdown and restriction of interstate movement of non-essential persons and goods ordered by the Federal Government to curb the spread of coronavirus. The development has reportedly resulted in the spike of virus cases in some states, particularly Lagos and Ogun… Read full story
Anxiety Over Retirement Age For National Assembly Clerk, Others
MOVE by the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mohammed Sani-Omolori and certain senior officials to extend their service beyond the statutory 35 years may have hit the rocks, Sunday Tribune can authoritatively reveal. Investigations revealed that banking on a controversial amendment, ‘Retirement age and… Read full story
COVID-19 Fears: Buhari Bars Sallah Visitors From Villa
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said that he will be obeying the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar that all Muslims in the country should observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers at home. He also asked politicians, religious leaders, top government officials and children not to visit him during the… Read full story
FG Pays April Allowances To N-Power Beneficiaries
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on Saturday disclosed that it has concluded payment of April stipends to all the N-Power beneficiaries across the country. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar… Read full story
UK COVID-19 Deaths Rise To 36,675 After Another 282 Patients Die
Another 282 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Friday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 36,675, British Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said on Saturday. The figures include COVID-19 related deaths in all settings such as hospitals, care homes and the… Read full story
Develop Creative Industry For Stronger Economy, Chinese Envoy Advises FG
A Chinese envoy to Nigeria, Mr Li Xuda, told the Federal Government on Saturday to focus more on developing the creative industry to fortify Nigeria’s economy. Tribune Online reports that Xuda who is the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China gave the advice at a zoom meeting… Read full story
and then