The South-West Stakeholders Security Group (SSSG) says the governors in the zone have kept it in the dark on the modalities for the launch of the security taskforce in the region, codenamed ‘Operation Amotekun’, which is expected to kick off on January 9.
It, however, applauded the move by the governors to start the joint security taskforce across the South West, saying the operation would create the needed synergy between the states to ensure safety and security of the region.
In an updated report on the security architecture initiated by the six governors in the South West to curtail armed banditry, kidnapping and killings in the zone, Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, on the New Yeas day, specifically reported that the outfit would take off on January 9 after the endorsement of the reviewed Standard Operating Practice (SOP) by the governors.
The SSSG deployed for the new initiative included the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria(VGN), the South-West Hunters Association(SWHAN) the Agbekoyas, South West Agbekoya Group (SAG), Agbekoya Farmers Society Group, and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), among others.
Rising from a meeting at the residence of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, on Saturday, the group gave its nod to the new initiative, saying it was ready to complement the efforts of the governors and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in their plan to make the South-West safe for the people.
It, however, said they were yet to be contacted by the governors on the recruitment process and other modus operandi of the scheme despite, including Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and other security outfits.
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While warning against the politicisation of the scheme, they also advised the governors against recruiting private individuals and political errand boys to drive the scheme, warning that nobody should blame them if the operation fails.
They said they were alerting the world to know that they were not a part of the security arrangement, billed to kick off in four days’ time.
Adams, convener of the group, said efforts to curb security challenges in the region was beginning to yield positive results, pointing out that the group, since inception in July 2019 had made significant efforts to reduce the spate of insecurity in the South-West.
He reiterated the need to create a workable synergy between the security outfits and the leaders at the grassroots.
“All over the world, security of lives and property remains the top priority of every government. It is when the country is safe and secured that we can think of other necessities. That is why as a group, we have made concerted effort to form this alliance in order to make the region safe for us,” he stressed.
Aare Adams expressed the readiness of the group to take the issue seriously without any room for failure.
Speaking on the security situation in the country, Adams said though the situation had reduced drastically with the emergence of the SSSG, the situation had become so tense with the recent invasion of some communities in the South-West.
He lamented the gruesome murder of over 28 people, burning of churches and palace in Kogi State by suspected Fulani gunmen, describing it as one killing too many.
“The security situation in the South-West is not something to write home about. For instance, people cannot travel during the festive period because of the fear of the kidnappers and marauders that kill and maim at will.
“A situation whereby a traditional ruler was kidnapped and asked to pay a huge amount of money as ransom before he was released, and that of a Catholic Priest was worrisome. It brought up a new challenge.
“We have been keeping quiet, not because we are bereft of ideas or solution. We need to match our words with actions. But now that they have involved us, we must appreciate them because we are ready to provide a lasting solution to the menace in the region. We will do our very best to secure the region,” he stated.
Adams said there was need for the governors to recruit trained personnel with strength of character and integrity, especially, on security, adding that the group was ready to liaise with the security advisers of all the states in the region to set up an advisory committee that would advise the governors on security matters.
He argued that issue of security should be centralised for effective communication and synergy.
