Insecurity: Oyo Gov’t Approves N7.7bn To Acquire 2 Aircraft

Oyo State Government has approved the sum of ₦7,763,360,000 to purchase two aircraft for the purpose of tackling kidnapping and illegal mining operations across the state.

Commissioner for Information in the state, Prince Dotun Oyelade defended the purchase of two aircraft to fight insecurity in the state.

Oyelade disclosed that with the purchase of the aircraft, security would be immediately beefed up to curb the menace of illegal miners, kidnappers and other forms of security threats, particularly in the vast interland.

Oyelade, in a statement after the Wednesday State Executive Council meeting, said the procurement was approved in a renewed determination of government to secure the state further from the influx of bandits and their activities.

According to him, the Council noted that although Oyo State enjoys relative peace compared to other states in the federation, the government would not be complacent in view of pockets of kidnappings and banditry going on in parts of the state.

“The two light aircraft, DA 42 MNG model, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, with sophisticated surveillance gadgets capable of identifying targets from high and low altitudes”, the Commissioner said.

He said the preference for these aircraft instead of helicopters was informed by their lesser cost of maintenance, adding that their spare parts are accessible.

He also noted that the Nigeria Air Force possesses a number of the model, which gives room for synergy.

Oyelade added that the state has the largest land mass in the southern part of Nigeria and bigger than 10 countries in Africa with a landmass of 28,454 square kilometres.

“The two aircraft will cost ₦7,763,360,000 and will effectively back up Amotekun and other security forces in the State to prevent and destroy bandits in their hideouts,” he said.

Oyelade also disclosed that of all the South West Security Networks, Amotekun in Oyo State has the highest number of personnel with 2,500, 181 vehicles, and 450 motorcycles.

The Commissioner also stressed that Amotekun personnel in the state were the highest paid in the South-West with the least paid ₦116,000 salary per month.

Speaking further on the outcome of the meeting, Oyelade said the Council also approved the construction of bridges, interchanges and the clearance of the North-East and South-West segments of the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, particularly from the Molarere, Odo-Oba, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University axis at ₦83,037,000,000.

He said Council assured that 72km of the Circular Road would be completed at the end of this administration in 2027.

The council also approved asphaltic improvement of the Secretariat Road, Trans Amusement UI – Sango Road and the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road at ₦2,327, 072,134.68, while the reconstruction of Mobil – Oluyole Industrial Estate Road network will be completed with ₦6,801,000,000.

Oyo State government also approved the commencement of direct intervention in operations and maintenance of the Light-up Oyo Solar Project with ₦595,000,000, while ₦190,000,000 would be paid monthly for the operations and maintenance of the project.