ABEOKUTA–As part of measures to combat the incessant kidnapping, armed robbery along the borderlines and highways between Ogun and Oyo States, the two states’ governors has resolved to deplore the use of CCTV on the interstate highways.
This is part of the communique issued at the end of the Inaugural joint security meeting between Ogun and Oyo States, held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta Wednesday.
It was also agreed that a High-Level Joint Security Committee to focus on and proactively address security matters along the boundary communities and interstate roads will be set up. The Committee will meet at regular intervals to provide oversight, review progress and take necessary actions.
The meeting convened at the instance of the two Governors, also agreed to jointly collaborate on emergency and distress calls, especially on the highways that connect the two States
The resolutions also include setting up of a Joint Border Security Task Force with membership drawn from various security agencies in the two States, to patrol the border communities to ensure security of lives and property for the residents and commuters. Members of the Task Force will be trained and orientated on the rule of engagement to prevent unwholesome practices
“To share experiences and intelligence on security matters to assist overall safety and security of lives and property in the two States and the Nation at large
“To effectively engage, cooperate and collaborate with all the Stakeholders, including but not limited to the Federal Government, State, and non-State actors (traditional institutions, religious groups, community development associations, etc.) whose input and support are required for improved security in the two States and around the border communities”, the communique reads
Speaking earlier, the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated that the meeting was hinged on the growing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, farmers-herders clashes, banditry, ritual killings, financial crimes (popularly called yahoo yahoo), among other criminal activities, particularly around the border communities of the two States.
Abiodun noted that the two states shares about 336 kilometres of borderlines, covering 6 local government areas in Ogun state, saying that the similarities have created a reoccurring security challenges in the corridor.
“Ogun and Oyo States were created the same day, and we share alot of common patrimony with ancestors that binds us together.
“Today’s security meeting is therefore different in heritage, common history and cultural affinity.
“Ogun state shares border with the South Western states, except Ekiti state. But our longest stretch of borderlines is with Oyo State.
“This collaboration is therefore peculiar because it is with our biggest neighbor by land mass in the South Western states and the political capital of our region”, Abiodun added
He therefore reteraited that the security partnership between the two states is hoped to create an enduring peace that will promote sustainable economic development among its citizens.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde stressed that the security partnership between the two states is absolutely important, considering the recent security breaches along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Makinde, who appreciated his Ogun State counterpart said despite belonging to a different political parties, stressed that they are both committed to the security of lives and properties of the citizens of both states.
He However expresses optimism that the entire South Western region will experience relative peace and economic development at the end of the technical session of the meeting, with the support of other stakeholders.
