Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has vowed to support the Nigeria Police to maintain peaceful coexistence among the residents along the Oyo-Osun boundary axis.
The governor stated this while receiving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, comprising Oyo and Osun states, AIG Fred Ikokotu, who paid him a courtesy visit in Ibadan, the state capital.
Governor Makinde stressed that a peaceful resolution would also be sought on the boundary dispute between the disputing communities in the two states.
Commending the Nigeria Police for their efforts in keeping the peace in the state and across the country, Makinde stated that Oyo State had always been lucky to have committed service commanders and policemen who work round the clock to maintain security.
He added that the country was large enough to accommodate everyone, stating that uniting the country is mostly the responsibility of the elite in the society.
The governor added that stakeholders involved in the states would work together to ensure a lasting solution to the boundary crisis.
According to him, his administration would continue to prioritise the security of lives and property of its citizens and continue to ensure peaceful co-existence between residents of Oyo and those of neighbouring states.
He promised to make two Mitsubishi trucks and a KIA Rio car equipped with communication gadgets available to Police Zone 11 as soon as possible.
“We have been very lucky here in Oyo State. Our service commanders, especially the Police, are in the forefront of everything that has to do with internal security.
“If things are not going well, they are the ones to bear the brunt. But in Oyo State, we have a solid team and I want to publicly acknowledge that, to say thank you. We will continue to work together.
“AIG Ikokotu, let me use this opportunity to welcome you to the zone. The situation we are in here is even more challenging and difficult and we are asking you to do far more than the resources that are being given to you. But we are here to give our support.
“You said we should support the Command because of what you are doing between the boundaries of Oyo and Osun states. We will give you what we have today, not tomorrow.
“We can give two Mitsubishi trucks and one brand new KIA Rio car. We will make sure they are available as soon as possible, because we always prioritise security.
“In an atmosphere of insecurity, nothing can be achieved. Anything that you want, please call on me or the Deputy Governor, as our door is always open. We will do our part for peace to reign in that axis,” Makinde said.
Earlier, AIG Ikokotu applauded the various supports the Oyo State Police Command had been enjoying under the administration of Governor Makinde, including the regular donations of security vehicles.
He promised not to disappoint the government and the people of the state, adding that relevant stakeholders’ engagements were ongoing between the Oyo and Osun states with a view to finding lasting solutions to the boundary dispute issue.
