Be on the run, Ajimobi tells “One million boys”, criminals

GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, on Friday, asserted his determination to fight criminality as he inaugurated the reconstituted Joint Security Task Force, known as “Operation Burst” as well as the new Board of Trustees for the state’s Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF).

While inaugurating the joint security task force at Idi-Arere, Ibadan, Ajimobi noted that the search light of the state government was being beamed on identity hot spots to ensure that criminal activities are busted towards ensuring that the state was peaceful.

Especially, he warned the gangs such as “One million Boys” to steer clear of the state, noting they would be flushed out.

The event saw Ajimobi hand over 20 new patrol vans to the OYSSTF, and speak about plans to the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras in strategic areas as well as the acquisition of aerial patrol helicopter.

The reconstituted ‘Operation Burst’ comprises men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Special Response Squad of the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“We have come to knock on the doors of brigands to flush them out. We decided to choose this location (Idi-Arere) for this occasion because it is generally believed to be the hot spot of criminal activities in the city of Ibadan.”

“With this development therefore, `One million Boys’ should be on the run! There is no more a safe haven for criminals and perpetuators of violence in our state.”

Speaking further, Ajimobi prayed for the involvement of private and public sector to ensure sustained funding of security strides.

The OYSSTF headed by the Deputy Governor, Operations, of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Bayo Adelabu, also has as members, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr Femi Oyedipe; State Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan; a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Dr Adesola Adeduntan; Dr Falil Ayo-Abina; Engr Femi Odumagbo; and Mr Vickram Goushani.

While inaugurating the board, Ajimobi charged the members to utilise the Trust Fund law to facilitate private sector involvement in security efforts of the state government.

In his remark, Adelabu said that a sustainable funding for security was imperative, adding that nothing meaningful could be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos.

He commended the Ajimobi administration for restoring sanity to the state after a long period of violence and brigandage preceding his emergence.

Adelabu pledged his members’ readiness to assist government in raising funds through voluntary donations by individuals, groups and corporate bodies.

He said: “The attainment of peace and tranquillity is commendable. But, the greater challenge is its sustainability until it becomes our way of life and permanent identity in Oyo State.

“Security has no colour; it transcends party politics; it goes beyond religious affiliation; it does not recognize economic status; it is blind to ethnic affiliation and it ignores the age of victims.

“The uncommon strides of the present administration should, therefore, be commended for eradicating insecurity in Oyo State.”

The twin occasions were graced by eminent personalities, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, members of the State Executive Council and members of the public.