Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has donated N32.5 million, to family members of 13 Amotekun operatives who lost their lives within the first one year of the outfit.
The governor made the donation at the first anniversary of the Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps, and the commissioning of the Ultra-Modern state headquarters of the outfit in Ibadan on Thursday.
The governor said Amotekun has served Oyo State diligently and productively.
He maintained that Amotekun Corps member have become so integrated in the state’s internal security system, adding that some of the operatives have even paid the supreme price in a bid to secure lives and properties in the state.
The governor further explained that his administration will continue to invest in security to ensure that security challenges do not disrupt the economic prosperity of the state.
He said: “It is almost impossible today to think of an Oyo State without members of the Oyo State Security Network. Amotekun has become so integrated with our state’s internal security that it is hard to believe that they were operationalised a year ago, on November 18, 2020. Everywhere we go, we see them; in the city and rural areas, they are ready to respond to distress calls.
“Although the Oyo State security network is part of wider Western Nigeria Security Network, we knew how important Amotekun would be in securing our state from the outset. And that is why we were at the forefront of working with the DAWN Commission to ensure that the other five South-West governors bought into the vision.
“Once that vision became a reality, we signed the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Bill 2020, into law in March 2020. We then embarked on recruiting 1,500 personnel for the Corps.
“From time to time, we have had to punish errant officers. However, for the most part, members of the Amotekun Corps have served our state diligently. Some of them have even paid the supreme price in a bid to secure our lives and properties.
“Yes, I handed over cheques to the next of kin of those fallen heroes but I specially want to acknowledge these 13 heroes of ours. They are our heroes and Oyo State will remain grateful. And for the loved ones they have left behind, we will do everything within our power to support them.
“I want to use this opportunity to convey the heartfelt appreciation of the government and the people of Oyo State to you, serving members of Amotekun. We say thank you for your thankless service. While we are sleeping, you help keep us safe but we hardly remember you guys when you are awake. I read your report and see your daily and weekly activities. We know you expose yourselves to high-risk situations. You confront ritualists, armed robbers, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals despite the constitutional restrictions on the kind of weapons you can carry; you have chosen to do your part to keep us safe. We say thank you.
“I want you to know that each time you respond to a distress call or make an arrest and hand suspects over to the Police, you play a big role in making Oyo State safer for all of us. You make it possible for investors to have confidence in our state. Ultimately, you do your part to ensure that we grow Oyo State economy and, today, we celebrate you.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Oyo State Amotekun Corps, Brig.-Gen. Kunle Togun (rtd), lauded the efforts of the governor to set up the state security outfit with a view to tackling insecurity plaguing the South-West region.
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